Vehicular movement likely to be banned through Ahmedabad’s heritage gates

Following the recent incident at Delhi Darwaja, where a section of the historic wooden gate collapsed, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recommended a complete ban on vehicular movement through all heritage gates in Ahmedabad.

The ASI has also urged the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) to remove encroachments around the gates and to cordon off the areas using barricades to prevent further damage.

According to an official letter from the ASI, 9 out of 12 historic gates in Ahmedabad fall under its jurisdiction. The agency has advised that vehicular traffic passing through these gates should be halted immediately.

With this recommendation, concerns have been raised over potential traffic congestion, especially in areas like Delhi Darwaja and Raipur Darwaja, through which around 1,000 vehicles pass daily. A ban on vehicle movement through these gates is likely to increase traffic in the old city.

The 12 gates identified across various areas of the city include:

Shahpur Darwaja

Dariyapur Darwaja

Kalupur Darwaja

Sarangpur Darwaja

Raipur Darwaja

Astodiya Darwaja

Panchkuva Darwaja

Jamalpur Darwaja

Raikhad Darwaja

Khanpur Darwaja

Prem Darwaja

Halim Darwaja

After receiving the letter from the ASI,  Deputy Municipal Commissioner Ramya Bhat , stated that banning vehicular movement near the gates is being considered. 

However, a final decision will be made in consultation with the traffic department, which will evaluate diversion plans and alternate routes. Once finalised, the proposal will be sent to the Municipal Commissioner and the Standing Committee for approval.