Wrong-side driving on SP Ring Road to avoid detour creates serious accident risk near Vakil Saheb Bridge

 A dangerous traffic situation has developed on the SP Ring Road near Vakil Saheb Bridge, many motorists coming from ISKCON and heading towards South Bopal are driving on the wrong side of the road to avoid a detour of about 2 kilometers. This risky shortcut is leading to traffic congestion and increasing the chances of serious accidents.

The issue is the lack of a proper cut or turning point between VIP Cross Road and Vakil Saheb Bridge. Because of this, drivers are  travelling around 100 meters on the wrong side instead of taking the longer, safer route. This not only disrupts traffic but also puts lives at risk, especially near a hospital in the area where patients face difficulties. Heavy vehicles from nearby construction sites add to the danger.

According to officials from Ahmedabad Traffic Police M Division, a plan to create a direct cut under the bridge was cancelled due to safety concerns. Instead, a U turn arrangement has been provided at the end of the bridge. The road has also been widened to reduce traffic jams, and traffic police are managing situation during peak hours.

Meanwhile, the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) is working on a long term solution. The ring road is being expanded into a 6 lane road with 4 lane service roads on both sides, making it a total of 10 lanes. Once completed, a divider will separate traffic directions, which will stop wrong side driving permanently.

The project is expected to be completed within 6 to 12 months. Until then, authorities have made temporary arrangements, but they urge motorists to follow traffic rules and avoid wrong side driving for their own safety.