After months of discussions, Maha Metro has finalised a revised design to correct flaws in the Sadar Flyover project. As per the new plan, the flyover will start near Liberty Talkies and land opposite the RBI petrol pump, crossing RBI Square.
Officials said the revised alignment will help commuters from the Sadar side avoid two traffic signals, saving time and easing congestion at key junctions such as Kasturchand Park and RBI Square. A detailed project report (DPR) incorporating the updated design is being prepared and is expected to be submitted within the next 10 days.
Length increased, cost likely to rise
Earlier, around ?36 crore had been sanctioned when the flyover landing was planned at Kasturchand Park. With the landing now extended to the RBI petrol pump, the length of the flyover has increased, and the revised DPR will reflect a higher project cost. Construction will begin only after approval for the additional expenditure.
Highway closure and need for redesign
Officials acknowledged that serious design flaws had led to the closure of a section of the National Highway for several years, causing inconvenience to commuters travelling towards Kamptee Road and worsening traffic congestion in the Sadar area. Motorists have been forced to use narrow alternative routes, leading to daily traffic snarls.
The eastern end of the flyover, inaugurated in January 2020, had faced complaints regarding faulty design from the beginning. Following the intervention of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maha Metro appointed consultants to examine the issue and suggest alternatives, one of which has now been finalised.
Reduced land requirement, next steps
Under the revised plan, only pillars will be constructed within Kasturchand Park instead of requiring large-scale land acquisition, while the flyover will descend near the petrol pump where land requirements are minimal. Officials said tenders will be floated after the final design is approved, and groundwork is expected to begin within about two months.
Maha Metro has also stated that the redesigned structure has been planned to ensure no adverse impact on the heritage status of Kasturchand Park.
👉 Click here to read the latest Gujarat news on TheLiveAhmedabad.com