As part of the Kalapur Railway Station redevelopment , the Ahmedabad city police commissioner has announced the closure of a major road leading to Kalupur railway station for a period of three years, from September 11, 2024, to September 10, 2027. A 200-meter stretch of the road from Sarangpur Circle to the station will be affected. One side of the road will be closed to traffic, while the opposite lane will function as a one-way route.

To mitigate traffic disruptions, the commissioner has suggested three alternative routes:

• From Sarangpur Circle to Kalupur Railway Station: Vehicles should proceed via Sindhi Bazar and Panchkuva, then take a right turn towards the station’s entry gate. Traffic will follow this route and continue via Motimahal Hotel Road.
• From Kalupur to Sarangpur, Raypur, Kankariya, and Gita Mandir: Vehicles should use the one-way lane on the Kalupur-Sarangpur road.
• Access to the Kalupur Railway Station: The old entry gate will remain open for passengers, while a new footbridge and a 30-foot road, part of the station’s redevelopment project by Dineshchandra R Agrawal Company, will facilitate passenger movement on the western side.

Motorists are advised to use these alternative routes and plan accordingly during this period

Phase Wise Kalupur Railway Station redevelopment:

Following are the expected schedule of phase wise Kalupur Railway Station redevelopment:

• Project commences on 15 November 2024
• Platforms will be stopped for redevelopment in phases and the scheduled trains will be diverted to Sabarmati, Asarva, Maninagar, Vatva and Gandhinagar railway stations.
• Platform number 7,8 and 9 will be non functional from 15 November 2024 to 15 February 2025.
• Platform number 5 and 6 will be non functional from 15 February 2025 to 15 May 2025
• Platform number 1 and 2 will be non functional from 15 May 2025 to 12 August 2025
• Platform number 3 and 4 will be non functional from 12 August 2025 to 10 November 2025

Stay tuned for more updates on Gujarat 360

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In a welcoming move, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has decided to address the traffic congestion caused by food vendors around Vastrapur Lake by relocating them to a newly planned food court within the lake premises. The original plan to build an amphitheatre has been scrapped to make way for this food court, a decision prompted by the frequent traffic jams created by vendors operating outside the lake.

Amphitheatre to be Demolished for Food Court

The standing committee’s decision comes as a response to growing criticism from the Opposition regarding the project’s escalating costs and delays, as well as pressure from the high court over traffic issues throughout the city. By converting the underutilized amphitheatre space into a food court, the AMC aims to solve two problems at once—easing traffic congestion and justifying the increased project costs.

The renovation of Vastrapur Lake, which began recently, has seen its budget swell from Rs 5 crore to Rs 8.2 crore due to delays. The work, which includes strengthening walls, installing lighting, and adding new amenities, is now expected to take another year to complete.

From Roadside to Vastrapur Lakeside

The numerous food stalls around Vastrapur Lake have long been a source of traffic congestion. Although these vendors were given space on a plot opposite the lake, many still spill onto the roads, exacerbating the traffic situation. Now, with the new plan, these stalls will be relocated to the lake area itself.

Standing Committee Chairman Devang Dani explained that the amphitheatre, which sees very little use with only about 20 bookings a year, can be better utilized by converting it into a food court. The redesign will not only address traffic concerns but also make the space more functional for the community.

Renovation Details

The renovation project, which began after 20 years since the lake’s establishment in 2003, is being approached with a long-term vision, aiming for the new infrastructure to last another 20 years. The amphitheatre, covering an area of 5,580 square meters, will be replaced by 55 food stalls. Additionally, a 700 square meter dining area and toilet blocks will be constructed to accommodate visitors.

A History of Rebuilding

This is not the first time an amphitheatre has been repurposed in the city. The AMC previously constructed a tennis court in place of an amphitheatre near Memnagar Lake. Similarly, a theatre set up near another lake was demolished to make way for a tennis court. In another case, the lake in Bapunagar was filled in to create the Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium.

The transformation of Vastrapur Lake is part of a broader trend in the city’s evolving urban landscape, where public spaces are continuously reimagined to meet changing needs and challenges.

Ahmedabad, designated as a World Heritage City, is enhancing its identity with the development of striking ‘City Entry Gates’ at seven key locations, such as Vaishnodevi, Sanathal, and Jashodanagar. These gates will highlight the city’s rich heritage and greet visitors with a touch of elegance.

Ahmedabad, recognized as a World Heritage City, is set to elevate its identity with the construction of impressive ‘City Entry Gates’ at seven major entry points, including Vaishnodevi, Sanathal, and Jashodanagar. These gates will be strategically positioned on key highways connecting to the city, as outlined in this year’s budget.

Standing Committee Chairman Devang Dani announced that the gates will be built in coordination with the National Highway Authority, the Gujarat Government’s Road and Building Department, and AUDA. The design of the entry gates will be tailored to site conditions, with surrounding roads also receiving improvements.

The entry gates will feature eye-catching designs and decorative lighting to enhance their visual appeal. They will be equipped with connectivity to AMTS, BRTS, and the metro for commuter convenience. Additionally, a rooftop viewing gallery will be added to offer visitors panoramic views of the city.

The design will blend heritage and modern elements, with the surrounding areas incorporating decorative lighting, landscaping, and plantation to create an attractive environment.

Image Credits: Instagram/ahmedabadmirrorofficial

Ahmedabad – A fire broke out at a showroom in a shopping mall in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad city on Saturday morning, officials reported. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported.

The blaze erupted at a ceramics shop on the second floor of Acropolis Mall in the Thaltej area around 9:30 am due to a short circuit, according to in-charge Chief Fire Officer Jayesh Khadia.

No evacuation was necessary as the mall was closed at the time, Khadia noted.

“A fire engine and a tanker were rushed to the spot, and the blaze was brought under control after a two-hour operation,” he added.

Authorities are currently investigating the incident to determine the exact cause of the short circuit.

On Monday, the civic body released water from the Sabarmati River to lower its level in anticipation of heavy rain. However, a blanket of water hyacinth covered much of its surface, forcing the suspension of the popular floating restaurant on Tuesday. This unexpected development has cast doubt on the effectiveness of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s (AMC) cleaning efforts.

The Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Ltd (SRFDCL) spends Rs 48,000 daily to operate four skimmer machines. “The infestation of water hyacinth is largely due to heat, evaporation, and elevated levels of sewage and nutrients in the water. Together, these factors trigger the proliferation of hyacinth,” said a senior AMC official.

The extent of the problem is visible from Indira Bridge to Subhash Bridge, and between Vasna Barrage and Dadhichi Bridge in Vadaj, where large patches of the weed have covered the river’s surface.

“When the water level at Vasna Barrage exceeds 135 feet, it forces us to release water from the riverfront as surrounding areas may get waterlogged,” the AMC official added. “These factors force us to open the barrage gates during heavy rainfall, as was done on Monday when five gates were opened by 3 feet to maintain the water level at around 132 feet.”

“Water hyacinth has choked the river to such an extent that it will take us at least a month to clear it,” said another AMC official, pleading anonymity.

The Sabarmati’s plight is further complicated by the discharge of sewage into it, despite crores spent on purification efforts. Unauthorized drainage connections continue to contribute to the issue.

“We are studying alternative methods followed by other Indian cities to control this menace. At present, sewage being released into storm water lines that empty into the river is a major concern,” added the AMC official.