Vadodara Municipal Corporation Proposes Alternative Route for Flood-Prone Bhukhi Canal

According to a DeshGujarat report, an alternative alignment has been proposed by the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) to divert the flood-prone Bhukhi Canal through a stormwater channel parallel to National Highway 48. Prepared on the basis of the Navlavala Committee's recommendations to prevent recurring flooding issues, this revised proposal will be presented before the VMC Standing Committee on Friday.

The project is divided into two phases, with the first phase involving the rerouting of the canal up to Chhani Jakatnaka and the second phase extending the channel from there towards the Nizampura crematorium. The first phase was approved by the VMC for ₹18.63 crore and the contract was awarded to Rajkamal Builders Infrastructure Private Limited at 1.5 percent below the estimated cost. The second phase was approved at ₹21.66 crore, with Shivay Infra Project Private Limited securing the contract at 2.39 percent below the estimate.

However, the project had stalled due to objections against the original alignment. Now, the VMC is considering completing the remaining work on the modified route either through the current contractors or by inviting new quotations. The Standing Committee will review this realignment and decide on the further course of action.