Ahmedabad: A proposed flyover at the congested Maninagar railway crossing has moved a step closer to execution, with railway authorities expected to initiate the tendering process soon. The project aims to ease chronic traffic congestion and improve connectivity in the area.

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s (AMC) newly elected leadership has prioritised the long-pending project as part of its broader plan to eliminate railway crossings across the city.

Standing Committee Chairman Kamlesh Patel said the project had remained stalled for years due to disagreements over the flyover’s design and alignment. The Maninagar railway crossing is among the city’s busiest, with frequent gate closures causing delays for thousands of commuters every day.

Although an underpass exists near the crossing, Patel said its design makes it largely suitable only for two-wheelers, limiting its impact on traffic movement.

Railway authorities have appointed a design consultant who has submitted multiple alignment options following site surveys. While one proposal suggests a curved flyover, AMC officials favour a straight overbridge linking Jawahar Chowk with the 132-Foot Road, citing better traffic efficiency.

The preferred alignment is expected to affect around 260 residential and commercial properties, including 79 commercial establishments and a temple. Depending on the final design, acquisition of 10 to 20 feet of land from some properties may be required.

Patel said affected property owners would be compensated as per prevailing norms. Once completed, the flyover is expected to significantly reduce congestion at the railway crossing and strengthen east-west connectivity in Maninagar.

The project is estimated to cost around Rs 100 crore, with the Railways and AMC expected to share the expenditure equally. Sources said a high-level meeting between senior Railway and AMC officials is likely next week to discuss final design approval and compensation for properties affected by the proposed alignment. DeshGujarat