Ahmedabad: Residents of Ahmedabad face a significant inconvenience with the ongoing repairs on Shastri Bridge, which has been partially closed for over six months—well beyond the originally estimated three-month period. This bridge, which connects Vishala to the Narol junction in the city’s western area, is crucial for accessing the Express and National Highway No. 8.

The 43-year-old bridge has been closed on one side since last June due to extensive cracks and severe damage to its joints and expansion sections. Repair work by the National Highway Authorities began in October, with an initial promise of a three-month completion. However, a senior official has recently indicated that repairs will take several more months, as further damage is revealed during the process. The bridge’s age and the need to replace outdated joints and expansions have contributed to the delay.

Plans for an 8-lane bridge are underway. Tenders have been issued for a new bridge to replace the current one and for an elevated corridor from Narol to Sarkhej junction. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual groundbreaking ceremony for the project in March. The planned corridor will feature an 8-lane bridge, with an estimated cost of Rs 1,295 crore.

The existing bridge will remain operational until the new one is completed, which is expected to take two years from the contract award date. It will be demolished once the new bridge is in use. Officials anticipate that work on the new project will start by the end of this year.

The new corridor aims to alleviate traffic congestion. “National Highway-47 from Narol to Sarkhej runs through the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation limits. The elevated corridor will address traffic issues and accident-prone areas caused by cross traffic. The urban corridor from Juhapura to Narol Vishala currently faces heavy congestion and frequent accidents,” an official explained.