Sardar patel ring road tall tax AUDA?

The Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) is considering the reintroduction of a toll tax for cars on the Sardar Patel Ring Road (SPR) to generate additional revenue. This proposal is part of AUDA’s Rs 2,231.23-crore budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, which is still awaiting approval from the state government. It is expected that the toll tax will be nominal and not impose a significant burden on commuters. The toll exemption for cars was previously granted ahead of the 2017 Assembly elections.

In addition to the toll proposal, AUDA plans to ease traffic congestion by creating dedicated lanes for two-wheelers and auto-rickshaws on SPR. The development initiatives also include an upgrade of the SPR with an allocation of Rs 300 crore for the expansion of the existing four-lane road to six lanes, alongside service lanes for better traffic management. The upgrade will feature new three-lane bridges at Bhat and Kamod, as well as underpasses at key junctions like Bhat, Chiloda, and Aslali circles. Further enhancements include a two-way underpass at Tragad and a vehicle underpass at Bhakti Circle in Nikol. Foot overbridges will also be constructed to ensure pedestrian safety.

AUDA’s revenue projections for the upcoming year include earnings of Rs 2,366.23 crore, with an expected surplus of Rs 135 crore. This budget also factors in income from the sale of plots in AUDA-administered areas. As part of the environmental initiatives, Rs 7 crore will be allocated for tree plantation and maintenance, while Rs 2.5 crore will be invested in developing a biodiversity park. Additionally, Rs 50 crore will be set aside to develop ponds across six villages, with Rs 5 crore earmarked for bioremediation efforts to clean local ponds in areas like Sanathal, Nandoli, Gadhiya, and Shantipura Chokdi.

Source: AM