Ahmedabad: In a bid to ease congestion and improve safety for daily commuters, the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) has prohibited cars from entering the Tragad underpass on the Sardar Patel (SP) Ring Road. The underpass will now be reserved exclusively for two-wheelers, while car drivers will be diverted through the Jhundal Bridge route.

AUDA officials said the decision was taken after frequent traffic snarls were reported between the Jhundal Bridge and Tragad underpass stretch, particularly during peak hours. Heavy movement of cars from both directions in the narrow underpass was creating bottlenecks, causing delays for local residents who largely use two-wheelers for daily travel.

To address the issue and minimise inconvenience, alternative arrangements have been implemented. Motorists driving light motor vehicles (cars) will now have to pass under the Jhundal Bridge instead of using the Tragad underpass.

Officials noted that the existing underpass is only 4 metres wide and 3 metres high, making it unsuitable for mixed traffic. However, relief is expected in the future as expansion works are planned along the ring road corridor.

As part of the project, the Tragad underpass will be reconstructed and widened to 12 metres with a height of 4 metres. After completion, two-wheelers, three-wheelers and cars will all be able to pass smoothly, significantly reducing congestion in the area.

Until then, authorities have urged motorists to follow the diversion and cooperate to ensure smoother traffic movement. DeshGujarat