5 faulty flyovers, but action taken only in 1 in Ahmedabad
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On Thursday, AMC's standing committee approved the demolition of the Hatkeshwar flyover in Khokhra, just five years after its Rs 34 crore construction. This marks the first such demolition in the city's 152-year civic history. The remaining four cases continue without punitive action against contractors or consultants, raising serious concerns over accountability and public safety. Deputy municipal commissioner Mirant Parikh confirmed that the Hatkeshwar bridge will be dismantled from the pile cap bottom level at a cost of Rs 3.90 crore.
"The process will take six months, and the cost will be recovered from Ajay Eng Infra Pvt Ltd, the original contractor, by withholding payment for the Pallav Junction flyover in Naranpura," said Parikh.
AMC has blacklisted both the contractor and the project management consultancy, suspended four officials, and initiated inquiries — measures almost absent in other similar cases.
A series of structural failures and quality lapses have repeatedly raised questions about oversight, accountability, and long-term safety in public infrastructure projects executed by the two civic bodies.
In 2015, a portion of the Khokhra Railway flyover collapsed, injuring one person, yet no formal investigation into negligence was carried out. Two years later, Auda's Vakil Saheb flyover developed a significant pothole days after opening — again, with no punitive action taken.
In 2021, the slab of the under-construction Mumatpura flyover collapsed, but no significant action has followed, even after four years.
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Likewise, in July 2022, a pothole appeared on the Khodiyar Container Overbridge on SG Highway, but there was no public disclosure of any disciplinary measures. In yet another case, Auda's Rs 96 crore Sanathal flyover on SP Ring Road developed potholes merely three months after its May 2023 inauguration.
Though resurfacing work was ordered, no penalties were imposed on the contractor.
Flyover Faults Persist, Action Remains Rare
1. Khodiyar Container Overbridge (July 2022):
A large pothole appeared under the Khodiyar Container Overbridge just a year after opening, exposing soil erosion likely caused by drainage leakage.
Temporary fixes were applied, but no investigation, penalties, or repair audits were made public.
2. Mumatpura Flyover Slab Collapse (Dec 2021):
A slab of the under-construction Auda's Mumatpura flyover collapsed in Dec 2021. Though an inquiry was initiated, no report was released. The contractor resumed work despite an order that he won't be allowed to participate in Auda tenders for three years, facing only limited restrictions.
3. Vakil Saheb Flyover, Bopal (2017):
Days after its inauguration, a major pothole appeared on the Vakil Saheb Flyover. Auda dismissed it as minor and unrelated to structure. No inspection report was released, and the contractor faced no penalties or blacklisting.
4. Khokhra Railway Flyover Collapse (Oct 2015)
The 50-year-old Khokhra Railway Flyover partially collapsed, injuring one person. Though it was later rebuilt at Rs 75 crore, no inquiry was conducted into why the deteriorating structure remained operational or how the collapse occurred.
BOX 2
Tumultuous decade (2015-2025)
Project Overview: Cost Rs 34 crore; Contractor: Ajay Eng. Infra Pvt Ltd
Work order issued : April 2015
Construction completed : Oct 2017
Structural Issues: Six cracks appeared between 2017 and 2022; a major crack in July 2022 led to its closure. The bridge has remained shut for three years
Material Testing: Core cutting tests in Mumbai and Ahmedabad labs showed only 20% compression strength
Official Action: AMC issued over 10 notices to the contractor and PMC SGS India Pvt. Ltd.; SVNIT, Surat recommended demolition
Expert Review: A panel including an IIT Roorkee professor and two consultants reviewed the case; pillar strength was also tested
Accountability : AMC blacklisted the contractor and the project management consultant (PMC), approved cost recovery, and filed a police complaint in April 2023
Demolition Plan: Tenders for demolition and reconstruction (Rs 51 crore) were floated in March 2024; approved on July 10, 2025 after multiple failed attempts
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