Bhavnagar commuters troubled on partially open Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway

Bhavnagar: Commuters traveling from Bhavnagar to Ahmedabad and using the Dholera-Ahmedabad Expressway are facing difficulties as the route has not been officially opened to the public. After traveling several kilometers toward Ahmedabad, many drivers are forced to turn back as the Pipli and Vejalka interchanges remain partially operational and are being managed arbitrarily.

Earlier, travelers used the old route via Pipli and Fedara to reach Bagodara Highway and then Ahmedabad. With the new expressway, commuters can ideally travel from Pipli toward the Vejalka interchange and connect directly to the SP Ring Road. However, since the expressway is not officially complete, the interchanges are being opened and closed at the authorities’ discretion, without any official communication.

On Thursday, several drivers reaching the toll plaza near Pipli interchange found the road blocked. Movement beyond that point was not allowed, forcing commuters to return and use the old Pipli-Fedara-Bagodara route. This has led to longer travel times and increased fuel consumption.

One commuter, caught in the chaos, said, “The administration arbitrarily opens and closes the Dholera Expressway. Traffic is heavy, but they place dividers and obstacles in the middle of the road. If they want to keep it closed, they should close it completely or open it properly. The public is facing trouble, and we have to take detours of 25–50 km.”

Another commuter added, “Only a section is shut. If it is opened properly, it will resolve most problems for commuters. Otherwise, this situation keeps happening.”

Sunil Yadav, Project Director of the Dholera-Ahmedabad Expressway, told the media that finishing works such as signage, divider painting, and other minor tasks are still ongoing and are expected to be completed by November 15. The stretch beyond Pipli has not yet been opened for general traffic, although vehicles related to construction activities continue to use it. DeshGujarat