Ahmedabad residents received relief from traffic congestion after Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the Vadaj Junction overbridge and the Makarba railway overbridge on September 23. The projects formed part of development works valued at Rs. 5.84 bn that were inaugurated or launched across the city.

The Vadaj Junction structure, built by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) at a cost of Rs. 620 mn, is a four-lane overbridge with two branches. One branch links Usmanpura with Ranip and is about 700 metres long and 15 metres wide, while the other connects Usmanpura with Gandhi Ashram and is about 365 metres long and 5.5 metres wide.

The overbridge is intended to reduce congestion at Vadaj Circle and improve connectivity to Usmanpura, Ranip, Gandhi Ashram, Bhimjipura and Shahibaug. The project is expected to benefit about 150,000 motorists travelling through the junction. Patel travelled across the newly opened bridge before attending a programme at Pandit Deendayal Hall in Bodakdev.

The Makarba railway overbridge, built across the Ahmedabad-Botad railway line, is more than 800 metres long and was completed at a cost of Rs. 986 mn. Construction began on September 30, 2023, and the project was completed about 18 months later than scheduled after damage to a drainage line, the discovery of additional utility lines and delays involving railway authorities.

The bridge is expected to assist about 150,000 motorists travelling between Sarkhej-Juhapura and SG Highway. During the programme, Patel also inaugurated housing units in Shahibaug and Thaltej, along with fire brigade equipment. Foundation stones were laid for a bus charging station and a bus depot, while appointment letters were handed to newly recruited junior clerks and assistant technical supervisors.

The chief minister later took part in a cleanliness drive at Ghuma village under the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign. He also urged officials to ensure that contractors completed work properly and said the government would support the AMC in carrying out development and cleanliness initiatives.