VMC Approves Alternative Bhukhi Canal Route Along NH-48

Vadodara: The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) standing committee on Friday approved a revised alignment for the Bhukhi canal diversion project, allowing the canal to be rerouted through a new stormwater channel parallel to National Highway 48 to address recurring flooding in parts of the city.

The revised alignment will extend the project by around 2,200 metres, with the existing contractor agreeing to execute the additional work at the original contractual rates.

The project, initially planned in two phases, faced opposition from residents over the approved alignment, prompting the civic administration to propose an alternative route along a 12-metre-wide road on the city side of NH-48.

Recommended by the Navlawala committee to tackle flooding caused by the Bhukhi canal, Phase 1 covers the stretch from the canal to Chhani Jakatnaka, while Phase 2 extends from Chhani Jakatnaka towards Nizampura crematorium.

Rajkamal Builders Infrastructure Pvt Ltd was awarded Phase 1 for Rs 18.35 crore, while Shivay Infra Project Pvt Ltd secured Phase 2 for Rs 21.14 crore. Both phases will now follow the revised alignment.

The standing committee also approved proposals covering drainage maintenance, new pipelines, water supply infrastructure and the shifting of pipelines obstructing a bridge project at Bhayli.

Separately, the committee cleared a Rs 13.23 lakh proposal to issue a commemorative ‘My Stamp’ sheet and special cover through India Post to mark 120 years of Maharaja Khanderao Market. DeshGujarat