Gandhinagar: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Thursday laid the foundation stone for the six-lane widening project of the Shantipura–Khoraj GIDC section on the Ahmedabad–Malia Road in Gujarat. The project, being developed at an estimated cost of ₹805 crore, aims to ease traffic congestion and strengthen connectivity between key industrial areas in the Ahmedabad district.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel was also present at the ceremony, along with senior state officials and public representatives.
Rising Traffic Pressure Due to Industrial Growth
Over the past decade, the Sanand industrial belt and adjoining regions have witnessed rapid industrialization, leading to a sharp rise in vehicular traffic. The road, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Gujarat State Road Development Corporation (GSRDC), currently carries an average daily traffic of over 43,000 vehicles.
This growing pressure has resulted in frequent traffic jams and safety concerns. In response, the state government decided to expand the existing four-lane road into a six-lane highway, ensuring smoother transit for industrial, commercial, and passenger vehicles.
Project Details: 28.8 km Six-Lane Corridor
The 28.8-kilometre project will involve comprehensive road widening and infrastructure development. Along with the main carriageway expansion, the plan includes:
- 22.7 km of service roads on both sides of the highway,
- 13 minor bridges to be widened,
- Construction of a six-lane elevated flyover,
- A three-lane right-turn flyover, and
- Five new underpasses at Ularia, Telav (two locations), Sanand GIDC gate, and Khoraj GIDC.
Additionally, around 172 culverts will be constructed or renovated, improving connectivity to nearby access roads and localities.
Improved Connectivity for Industrial and Regional Centers
Once completed, the upgraded road is expected to significantly reduce travel time and enhance road safety. It will provide vital connectivity to major industrial hubs like Sanand and Viramgam, and improve access to key destinations such as Surendranagar, Shankheshwar, Radhanpur, and Patan.
Officials said the project will not only reduce traffic congestion but also curb accidents, save fuel, and promote economic efficiency by improving the movement of goods and workers between industrial estates.
Infrastructure Push to Boost Regional Development
The project is part of the Gujarat government’s ongoing effort to upgrade road infrastructure in high-growth industrial corridors. By modernizing this crucial stretch, authorities aim to support the increasing traffic from automotive, manufacturing, and logistics sectors operating in Sanand GIDC and surrounding areas.
Speaking at the ceremony, Union Minister Amit Shah said that the project would further accelerate Gujarat’s industrial and infrastructure growth, reflecting the state’s commitment to modern connectivity and development-oriented governance.
Public Interaction and New Year Greetings
Following the foundation-laying ceremony, Amit Shah and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel interacted with local residents of the Sanand region. Both leaders extended New Year greetings to the citizens, acknowledging their support and participation in the state’s progress.
The event was attended by MLA Kanu Patel, District Collector Sujit Kumar, District Development Officer Videh Khare, and several other senior officials and public representatives.
