Ahmedabad: In a bid to reduce traffic congestion on the busy Sarkhej–Gandhinagar (SG) Highway, the Ahmedabad Traffic Police have opened two U-turn points under the Sola bridge near the Palladium Mall junction. The move is part of ongoing traffic engineering measures being implemented at major bottlenecks across the city.

The Palladium Mall crossroads on SG Highway has been witnessing heavy traffic pressure due to increasing vehicle movement in the western part of the city. Officials said the newly opened U-turns under the flyover will help streamline vehicle flow and reduce unnecessary signal waiting time at the junction.

The Ahmedabad Traffic Police have begun corrective traffic engineering measures as part of a larger drive to ease traffic flow at critical crossroads. Police Commissioner G. S. Malik on Tuesday visited the junction to review the ground situation and examine possible solutions.

The move comes after the successful implementation of the “cut-closure” traffic system at Pirana Junction, where the main cut was closed and the turning point was shifted nearly 100 metres away, resulting in smoother vehicle movement and reduced congestion. Following that success, the Traffic Department has started identifying other congestion-prone hotspots across the city, with the Palladium Mall crossroads placed on priority after repeated complaints from motorists.

According to traffic officials, the SG Highway junction witnesses long queues during peak hours, especially when traffic pressure increases or signals malfunction. Unregulated turns from the existing central cut often create bottlenecks and lead to frequent jams, making the junction one of the most problematic points in the western zone.

Police Commissioner Malik said temporary cuts have already been created with the help of the Municipal Corporation, and a permanent plan is being prepared in consultation with civic officials and traffic experts. He added that options such as redesigning the junction into a circular traffic flow system are also under technical review.

Officials said that once the proposal is finalised, the Palladium Mall junction will undergo structural traffic corrections similar to Pirana Junction, which is expected to provide significant relief to commuters travelling on SG Highway and nearby areas. DeshGujarat