Kalol: The long-awaited Ahmedabad–Kalol–Mehsana Highway expansion project has moved a step closer to execution, with the online tendering process for the proposed eight-lane highway and elevated corridor at Kalol officially closing on May 30.

With the completion of the tendering process, authorities have initiated further administrative procedures to award contracts and commence work on the project, which is expected to significantly improve traffic flow on one of North Gujarat’s busiest road corridors.

Under the project, the Ahmedabad–Mehsana toll highway will be widened to eight lanes. Plans also include the construction of a major elevated corridor at Kalol. A 6.10-km-long elevated corridor comprising five overbridges and flyovers will be built along the city stretch. Two large toll plazas have also been approved as part of the highway expansion.

The elevated corridor is expected to provide long-term relief from chronic traffic congestion in Kalol, which witnesses heavy movement of both local and highway traffic every day. The project is also expected to reduce travel time, improve road safety and help motorists save fuel.

Meanwhile, the government has made a third attempt to appoint an independent consultant to oversee the project’s design and quality standards. The deadline for submitting bids for the consultancy contract also expired on May 30.

The consultant appointment process had earlier faced setbacks, with two previous tenders being cancelled due to the absence of qualified bidders and technical issues.

With the bid submission deadlines for both the highway construction agency and the independent consultant now over, the project has entered its final administrative stage. Authorities are expected to evaluate the bids and complete the contract award process before construction begins on the ambitious infrastructure project. DeshGujarat