The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is under scrutiny for alleged mismanagement of bridge and underpass projects. Opposition leaders claim that AMC officials changed approved designs for multiple infrastructure projects without proper approval. This has raised concerns about safety, costs, and delays. Experts from the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) reportedly provided recommendations that were ignored in at least eight major projects. One notable case involved a flyover from Nehrunagar to Gujarat University, where AMC followed a different route based on an IIT-RAM report.
The opposition has demanded accountability for the alleged mismanagement, citing significant cost overruns and extended timelines. For example, the Income Tax Flyover was recommended by CRRI to be built as a four-lane bridge, but AMC constructed a five-lane bridge, increasing costs from ₹59.59 crore to ₹65.91 crore. Additionally, ₹10 crore was spent to preserve a Gandhi statue beneath the bridge.
The Ranip Flyover faced a three-year delay due to land issues with the Railways. Initially expected to take two years, it took five years to complete, as the Railways only handed over the land after receiving ₹50 crore in compensation. In another case, the Ajit Mill Flyover was approved at ₹41 crore, but the final tender reached ₹50.30 crore due to interruptions caused by discovering a water pipeline under the structure that required redesign.
The Pallav Junction project also faced scrutiny. Here, CRRI recommended building an underpass, but a flyover was constructed instead. This decision led to costs soaring from ₹64 crore to ₹104.19 crore due to necessary power line relocations and design changes.
Concerns also arose over hasty inaugurations and safety issues with some projects. The Jalaram Underpass was inaugurated in 2024, only to be closed within hours due to unresolved mobile tower issues. Its cost jumped from ₹45 crore to ₹83 crore. The Sattadhar Flyover had its tender delayed due to contractors objecting to a five-year defect liability period, which was later reduced to three years. Furthermore, the Hatkeshwar Bridge, built in 2017 for ₹40 crore, now faces demolition due to structural issues, prompting demands for a replacement bridge.
The opposition has compiled a summary of the scrutinised projects:
– **Hatkeshwar Bridge**: Structural concerns; may be demolished; cost: ₹40 crore.
– **Ranip Flyover**: Land delay by Railways; additional cost: ₹50 crore for land.
– **Ajit Mill Flyover**: Design change after water line found; cost: ₹41 crore to ₹50.30 crore.
– **Pallav Junction**: Flyover built instead of underpass; cost: ₹64 crore to ₹104.19 crore.
– **Income Tax Flyover**: Extra lane and statue feature added; cost: ₹59.59 crore to ₹65.91 crore.
– **Panjrapol Flyover**: Route changed; CRRI ignored; cost: not specified.
– **Sattadhar Flyover**: Tender delay over defect clause; cost: ₹81.49 crore.
– **Jalaram Underpass**: Closed after inauguration; cost: ₹45 crore to ₹83 crore.
As of now, the AMC has not issued an official response to these allegations. The ongoing scrutiny highlights the need for better management and adherence to expert recommendations in future infrastructure projects in Ahmedabad. Local residents and opposition parties continue to voice their concerns and demand action against those responsible for these costly blunders. The integrity of public infrastructure is at stake, and the community is watching closely for accountability and change.