Key stretch of Ashram Road closed permanently for Sabarmati Ashram redevelopment, City Police introduce QR codes on autos for enhanced safety and fare regulation, over 50 CCTV cameras installed along the Riverfront Road, and more. Catch up on the latest updates in this Ahmedabad News Roundup.

Ahmedabad Police Commissioner has announced the permanent closure of the road between Cargo Motors to Batrisi Bhavan in front of Gandhi Ashram on Ashram Road to facilitate the restoration and redevelopment of the Sabarmati Ashram precinct. Commuters can use an alternative route via the 132-feet ring road, from Subhash Bridge Circle to Ranip Bus Stand, then a new road towards Cargo Motors and RiverFront West Road.

To improve passenger security and regulate auto fares, the city police have introduced QR codes on all autos. Scanning these codes will give passengers access to essential details about the auto’s owner and driver, including background checks, ensuring safer travel options.

This measure, launched under the Nirbhaya Initiative, specifically aims to support women’s safety during late-night travel. According to Ajay Choudhary, Additional DGP and acting City Police Chief, “The QR codes provide instant details about the driver’s background, enforcing fare standards and reducing unauthorised operations.” This initiative also ensures that autos operate with functional meters.

Amid rising incidents of accidents and thefts, the Sabarmati Riverfront road now has over 50 CCTV cameras from Vasna to Vadaj, monitored by the city police control room. To enforce traffic rules, 16 additional cameras have been set up at key junctions, with e-memos issued for violations. Smaller cameras now cover previously unmonitored intersections, boosting safety and security along the riverfront.

Gujarat University has extended the registration deadlines for PhD admissions via the Gujarat Common Admission Services (GCAS) and Samarth portals. Students can now register on GCAS until the 10th of November, while the Samarth portal is open for registration and fee payments until the 12th of November.

As of Saturday, 2,672 students have registered on GCAS, with 1,680 completing registration on both platforms.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad witnessed a substantial increase in passenger numbers during the festive period, with over 3.60 lakh passengers recorded. On the 7th of November, a record 41,700 passengers and 313 flights departed from the airport, marking the highest daily figure this year, with an average of 1,738 passengers per hour.

On November 8th, there were 40,700 passengers and 296 flight movements. The airport’s security team managed over 1.80 lakh pieces of checked-in luggage, while daily operations averaged 270 flights serving approximately 34,000 passengers.