Six-year-old Ahmedabad flyover shows dangerous wear, raising safety concerns

Ahmedabad’s urban infrastructure has come under scrutiny once again as serious structural problems have been reported on the Income Tax Flyover, one of the city’s busiest overbridges. Built just six years ago at a cost of around ₹65 crore, the flyover is now showing alarming signs of deterioration, putting daily commuters at risk.

After the earlier controversy surrounding Subhash Bridge, this latest issue has highlighted questions about the quality of construction and maintenance by the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC). Recent inspections have revealed that the expansion joints on the flyover have come apart. Screws meant to secure these joints are reportedly exposed and worn out, creating visible gaps on the bridge surface.

These defects pose a direct threat to motorists. The open joints and loose fittings could lead to tyre damage and increase the chances of serious accidents, especially given the heavy traffic on this stretch. Despite the severity of the situation, no barricades have been installed yet, nor has any immediate repair work been initiated by the civic authorities.

What has surprised many is that the flyover was inspected as recently as July this year. According to official records at the time, the bridge was declared to be in good condition. This has raised questions about how such significant damage could appear within a short span of months, and whether earlier assessments were accurate.

This comes weeks after the Subhash Bridge over the Sabarmati River, one of the city’s key connectors between the western and northern parts of Ahmedabad, was closed to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic for maintenance work on December 4.

Responding to the Income Tax Flyover issue, AMC’s Roads and Buildings Committee Chairman Jayesh Patel said he was not aware of the problem but assured that he would discuss the matter with officials and ensure necessary action is taken.