"Acceleration of Six-Laning Project for Ahmedabad Ring Road"

The Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (Auda) is ramping up efforts to transform the SP Ring Road into a six-lane thoroughfare in anticipation of heightened traffic in the next five to seven years. Auda has enlisted the expertise of Translink to craft a detailed project report (DPR) for this initiative, estimated to require an investment of approximately Rs 800 crore.

The DPR will encompass the design of the expanded six-lane road, identification of potential new flyovers at intersections based on traffic surveys, and refurbishment or extension of the Bhat and Kamod river bridges situated on the western and eastern fringes of the ring road respectively. This decision was made during Auda's 274th board meeting.

Notably, the project will not necessitate additional land acquisition, as Auda intends to utilize the existing 60-meter right-of-way. The current road width stands at 60 meters, complemented by service roads of varying widths on each side. The expansion plan aims to maintain a 42-meter-wide main carriageway with service roads measuring 9 meters on either side in the western section.

In the eastern section, where the existing width spans 78 meters, an 18-meter-wide service road flanking each side of the 42-meter main road will be retained. "Each lane will be 3.5 meters wide, allowing us to preserve the service roads," affirmed a senior Auda official.

Auda is exploring three potential funding avenues for the project: self-funding with toll collection, a build-operate-transfer (BOT) model, or a public-private partnership (PPP). The ultimate decision will hinge upon the findings of the DPR analysis. "The final decision will be made following a comprehensive assessment of the DPR," reiterated the official.

Presently, nine flyovers, including one at Shilaj, and the Ognaj underpass, have received approval under the ADB loan for Auda. Two work packages have been greenlit, and construction has commenced. Should the new DPR identify the necessity for additional flyovers at junctions, these details will be incorporated into the report by the consultant.

The SP Ring Road, inaugurated in 2006 under a BOT agreement, has witnessed a substantial surge in traffic over the years. The approval for its six-lane expansion was granted in 2017. In 2019, ARRIL, the concessionaire company, proposed funding the Rs 200 crore expansion on the condition of extending their concession period. However, Auda opted to engage a third-party consultant for cost assessment instead.

"ARRIL sought a 3.5-year extension of their concession, which was declined. Consequently, the Auda board appointed a third-party consultant to evaluate the costs," explained the official. This project is poised to enhance infrastructure without necessitating additional land acquisition.

ET