Ahmedabad: After years of controversy, the demolition of the Hatkeshwar flyover finally commenced on Thursday.

The bridge was declared unsafe for public use just five years after its inauguration. Work began on Thursday morning with the removal of the road surface. Officials said the contracted demolition agency has been asked to prepare a detailed plan, which will be vetted by IIT Gandhinagar. Once technical queries are resolved and a traffic diversion plan is finalized, dismantling of the bridge’s main structure will begin. A separate power connection has already been arranged for the project.

The AMC standing committee approved the demolition proposal on July 10, after declaring the ₹34-crore flyover structurally unsound earlier. Built in 2017, the bridge had developed severe potholes within five years and was shut down in July 2022. It has remained closed for the past three years.

Civic authorities aim to complete the demolition within three months, though monsoon conditions may cause delays. The contract, initially valued at ₹9.31 crore, was awarded at ₹3.90 crore. DeshGujarat