The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has announced a further extension for the closure of the crucial Subhash Bridge, with traffic now barred until December 28. This marks a significant disruption for daily commuters, as the bridge has already been shut for public movement since December 4.
Closure Extended Amid Detailed Inspection
Originally, the civic body had planned to reopen the bridge by December 25. However, the deadline has now been pushed back by an additional three days. The extension comes as the AMC finalizes its decision-making process based on comprehensive technical reports.
The corporation has submitted a detailed inspection report for Subhash Bridge to the state government. This report includes critical opinions from private consultant firms and independent experts. Alongside the findings, the AMC has also proposed various options and suggestions for the future of this important river crossing.
A Potential Double-Decker Future
In a significant development, sources within the municipal corporation have revealed that a bold new plan is being actively considered. The proposal involves constructing Ahmedabad's first-ever double-decker river bridge at the site.
The envisioned plan is to build a new, 1.5-kilometer long, six-lane bridge directly over the existing Subhash Bridge structure. Under this proposal, the current bridge would undergo necessary repairs but would subsequently be reopened only for light motor vehicles, effectively creating two separate traffic streams.
Decision and Commuter Impact
The final decision regarding the repair and future of Subhash Bridge is expected to be made before the new closure deadline of December 28. The AMC has assured that the call will be based on all the compiled reports and expert analyses.
This prolonged closure continues to pose challenges for Ahmedabad's commuters, who have been navigating alternative routes for over three weeks. The potential for a double-decker structure, however, points to a long-term solution aimed at decongesting one of the city's key traffic arteries.
