Ahmedabad : Commuters Stuck in Long Jams as Shahibaug Overbridge Closes

The closure, linked to ongoing construction work for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor, has caused severe congestion, leaving commuters stranded in long jams.

Segment installation work for the high-speed rail project began near the overbridge on July 31 and will continue around the clock until September 1, 2025, according to officials.

In response, the Ahmedabad Police have announced alternative routes for local traffic:

For light vehicles:

From Rajasthan Hospital to Namaste Circle:

Use the road under the overbridge via Shanidev Mandir, pass through Shahibaug underpass and the old Police Commissioner’s office to reach Namaste Circle.

From Namaste Circle to Rajasthan Hospital:

Take the route through the old Police Commissioner’s office and Shahibaug underpass, continue past Nagpal Hospital, and take a U-turn at Sardar Patel Smarak to access the service road to Rajasthan Hospital.

For heavy vehicles:

Those moving from Rajasthan Hospital toward Namaste Circle must use the service road under the bridge, turn left at the four-road junction, proceed to Mahakali Mandir Circle, turn right onto Babu Jagjivan Ram Overbridge, and continue via Idgah Circle, Dariyapur Circle, and Delhi Darwaza.

Despite these measures, massive traffic jams were reported on Thursday morning and during peak evening hours. Commuters experienced significant delays, with a 5–7-minute journey from Shahibaug Overbridge to Delhi Darwaza stretching to over 45 minutes.

Residents travelling from Gandhinagar, Memco, and Meghaninagar to central Ahmedabad faced hour-long delays both in the morning and evening, severely affecting work schedules and daily routines.

City officials have urged commuters to plan their travel in advance and use alternate routes wherever possible, as traffic is expected to remain heavy in the area for the foreseeable future.