Rehabilitation of Ahmedabad's historic Ellis Bridge began in September 2024 with a 12-month completion target, but had reached only 26% progress by the time authorities approved an extra ₹16 crore, pushing the budget from ₹26.88 crore to ₹42.90 crore. The same contractor's scope was later widened to also repair three other city bridges after a post-Gambhira-collapse safety review, reportedly because no separate tenders existed for that repair category.
On record
The official record states: "An AMC official said the existing Ellis Bridge contractor's scope was expanded to other bridges "due to lack of active tenders for this work category"; no distinct explanation was given for Ellis Bridge's own slow 26% progress."
Filed as "Under repeat delay" and dated to Rehabilitation started September 2024 (original bridge dates to 1892; rebuilt 1997), this entry sits under the "Increased from ₹26.88 crore to ₹42.90 crore (additional ₹16 crore approved)" line of the public accounts.
What to expect
- A structure best photographed from a respectful distance.
- Warning boards whose advice was, at some point, overtaken by events.
- A view of the water that residents did not ask to have this closely.
- Contractor signage, still standing, credit unclear.
Sourcing
2 public sources — news reports, RTI replies and civic archives — corroborate this entry. The citation trail is listed below for anyone who would like to follow up with the department concerned.
“The escalation clause did most of the building.”— Blunderlust Editorial Desk
Sources
- https://deshgujarat.com/2025/03/20/several-ongoing-flyover-projects-in-ahmedabad-face-delays-in-completion/
- https://english.gujaratsamachar.com/news/gujarat/ahmedabad-sanctions-21-55-crore-for-repair-of-three-key-city-bridges
Visitor reviews
“Took the family here on a Sunday when the traffic allowed it. You can feel the feasibility study straining.”
“Got dropped off at the wrong gate and discovered it that way. Somehow both under construction and clearly abandoned.”
“Made a special trip across Ahmedabad just for this. The barricades deserve a heritage tag by now.”
