Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) is set to begin the long-awaited expansion work of the Sardar Patel (S.P.) Ring Road by December 7, with most technical procedures now complete. The project, for which the foundation stone was laid in August this year, aims to convert the existing four-lane stretch, connecting six National Highways and eleven State Highways, into a six-lane corridor.

The S.P. Ring Road currently carries around one lakh vehicles every day, making the upgradation essential to ease traffic congestion and enhance road safety.

As part of the expansion, the project will include the construction of:

• 11 new overbridges

• 4 underpasses

• 2 river bridges

• 5 foot-overbridges

• Dedicated footpaths

The total project cost is estimated at ₹2,000 crore. Of this, around ₹1,200 crore spent by the contractor on the ring road will be reimbursed over the next 15 years through annuity payments sourced from toll collection. The project will also be operated and maintained for 15 years by the implementing authority, marking a first-of-its-kind model in the country.

To prevent waterlogging during the monsoon, rainwater from the ring road will be channelled into 75 nearby lakes and natural canals.

The S.P. Ring Road was originally developed in phases:

• Phase 1 (2002–2006): Two lanes were built over a 76-km stretch, with a four-lane main structure.

• Phase 2 (2005–2007): The entire road was widened to four lanes.

• Phase 3 (Upcoming): Six-lane enhancement across the 60-meter-wide, 76-km-long corridor.

Once completed, the upgraded ring road will strengthen connectivity between North Gujarat, Central Gujarat, Saurashtra, and Ahmedabad, significantly improving regional mobility.

AUDA officials said efforts will be made to ensure that commuters face minimal inconvenience during the construction phase. A new toll policy is also expected to be finalized once the revamped ring road becomes operational.