Ahmedabad: Confusion surrounds the status of the Shahibaug underpass, which remains fully operational despite a formal notification issued by the Traffic Joint Commissioner of Police (JCP) ordering its closure. As of the morning of January 5, no barricades had been placed, and vehicular traffic continued to flow normally through the route.

A notification was issued by the Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) on December 30, stating that the underpass would be closed for eight days, from January 5 to January 12. The closure was mandated to facilitate ongoing construction work for the Bullet Train project, specifically the joining of spans located directly above the underpass. The order was intended to prevent potential accidents or mishaps during the execution of the heavy construction work.

While the open road has provided temporary relief to commuters, it has also raised serious safety concerns. The closure was scheduled to begin at midnight (00:00 hours) on January 5. If Bullet Train construction work commences without securing the road, it could lead to a major mishap.

The situation is particularly challenging for motorists as other major routes, including the Subhash Bridge and the Girdharnagar Bridge, are already closed. If the Shahibaug underpass is eventually shut down for the full eight-day period, commuters are likely to face severe traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, potentially leaving travellers stranded for long periods.

At present, the failure to implement the official notification has left the public in a state of uncertainty. While the absence of barricades allows continued movement, the impending Bullet Train work suggests that a sudden closure could occur at any time, potentially catching thousands of commuters off guard. DeshGujarat