Indore Considers Elevated Corridor with Rotaries as Alternative to AB Road Flyovers.

Amid ongoing surveys for a series of flyovers, the Indore Utthan Samiti (Indore Upliftment Committee) on Friday presented an alternative solution to the city's persistent traffic congestion on AB Road: a rotary-equipped elevated corridor. The committee argues that this innovative design would ensure smoother traffic flow both above and below, a more effective long-term fix than the six flyovers and one grade separator currently under consideration by the Indore Development Authority (IDA).

The IDA's current plan involves constructing these structures along a 5.5 km stretch of AB Road between MR-9 and Naulakha. While these would cover 63% of the road, the committee warns that their steep gradients could inconvenience commuters and fail to make intersections truly signal-free, potentially exacerbating existing traffic woes.

During a detailed 3D presentation at the IDA auditorium, Ajeet Singh Narang, President of the Indore Utthan Samiti, articulated the drawbacks of the flyover proposal. He explained that a series of short, steep flyovers would force drivers into rapid ascents and descents between intersections, increasing the risk of accidents and preventing vehicles from maintaining optimal speeds.

Instead, the committee advocates for a continuous elevated corridor spanning from MR-9 to Naulakha. This design would integrate rotaries at critical intersections, such as Naulakha, Shivaji Vatika, and LIG Chouraha. This setup, Narang asserted, would allow vehicles to move freely in all four directions, significantly improving traffic efficiency and offering a sustainable solution for the next 30 to 40 years on AB Road.

The committee, composed of senior engineers, businessmen, and urban experts, conducted extensive surveys both within Indore and in other Indian cities. Narang highlighted that cities like Bengaluru, Nagpur, Chennai, Tirupati, Palanpur, and Jabalpur have successfully implemented similar rotary-equipped elevated corridors on their high-density road networks.

Furthermore, the committee strongly advised against constructing underpasses at Shivaji Vatika and Naulakha. They cited common urban issues with underpasses, including waterlogging during monsoons and ongoing maintenance challenges. The committee urged the authorities to prioritize elevated structures, leveraging modern technology to not only ease traffic but also contribute to reduced fuel consumption and pollution.

The meeting was attended by key officials including IDA CEO RP Ahirwar, Abhyas Mandal Vice President Ashok Kothari, structural engineer Deepak Shah, and other senior members of the committee, indicating a serious consideration of the proposed alternative.