Vadodara: The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has decided to construct another bridge over the Sama–Savli canal to ease traffic congestion on the busy Sama–Savli Road, where an overbridge is already under construction near Abacus Circle.

The ongoing bridge project near Abacus Circle had earlier triggered a political tussle, following which its design was modified. At the time, there was also a demand to extend the bridge up to the Sama–Savli canal near Kudavi McDonald’s. However, due to differences among local political leaders, it was eventually decided to limit the bridge length to about 560 metres.

The bridge currently under construction will end near the Satva Avenue three-road junction, in front of the SAIL Company petrol pump on Sama–Savli Road.

A short distance from this junction, however, roads diverge towards Vemali and Sama, creating a major traffic bottleneck. The road also connects to the Ahmedabad–Vadodara Expressway and witnesses heavy vehicular movement throughout the day. Congestion becomes particularly severe during peak hours and the wedding season, as several party plots are located nearby.

In view of the persistent traffic congestion, the municipal corporation has now decided to construct an additional bridge over the Sama–Savli canal. Officials said a traffic survey and visibility assessment will be carried out before finalising the project.

Sources said there were earlier suggestions to extend the Abacus Circle bridge across the canal so the entire stretch could function as a single continuous bridge. This would have allowed vehicles to move directly from Abacus Circle towards the expressway without interruption. However, the proposal was not implemented at the time, leading to the current plan to build a separate bridge over the canal.

Officials believe the new bridge will help reduce congestion and provide smoother connectivity towards the expressway.

Meanwhile, the VMC has also initiated steps to widen the road near the Sama–Savli canal, where the carriageway narrows. Municipal sources said discussions have been held with the Sardar Sarovar Corporation regarding the canal section. The corporation has sought clarifications on certain issues, after which further action on the road-widening plan will proceed. DeshGujarat