AHMEDABAD: Various societies in Vastrapur village have opted to relinquish portions of their land for road widening, in return for accelerated redevelopment that includes taller buildings.
According to the state’s comprehensive general development control regulations, the height of new constructions in urban areas is dictated by the width of surrounding roads. As a result, redevelopment efforts for societies situated on narrow roads in Ahmedabad, such as those in Vastrapur, have been stalled.
Currently, road widths in Vastrapur village measure 7, 7.5, and 9 metres. As the redevelopment of older societies has stalled, traffic congestion has escalated. However, the standing committee of the AMC has recently empowered the municipal commissioner to proceed with road widening efforts in the village.
Societies nearby are willingly offering land without expecting compensation, allowing the AMC to undertake road widening that will help reduce traffic issues and expedite the redevelopment of older societies.
Typically, the AMC’s road widening proposals are not fast-tracked. These proposals are made when a development plan for Ahmedabad city is prepared, aiming to enhance the width of specific roads. Once approved, the responsibility for road widening is assigned.
However, if land from privately-owned properties or societies is repurposed for road widening, compensation must be provided, which can burden the corporation financially. Typically, after approval of road widening, if a private society seeks redevelopment, a margin is left according to the planned road layout without compensation. Unfortunately, this often leads to extensive delays in redevelopment.
The proposal approved by the standing committee states, “The development of Vastrapur village and its surrounding area took place years ago, with a TP scheme created by Auda that encompassed Vastrapur.” It adds that at that time, road widths of 6, 7.5, and 9 metres were planned based on the needs of that era.
“Three- or four-storey residential societies were constructed along these roads years ago. The narrow widths have contributed to ongoing traffic issues,” the proposal continues. “We have repeatedly urged the state government to facilitate road widening for the redevelopment of these societies.”
To address local needs and traffic challenges, societies such as Rajtilak Apartments, Tulsi Shyam Apartments, Chandrapuri Apartments, and Dharmjeevan Apartments have voluntarily consented to donate land for the adjacent road widening.
The municipal commissioner is authorized to expand the road widths to 12 metres, and importantly, the proposal specifies that any land taken from plots reserved for public use will not be enforced under this TP scheme.
