How is the Gujarat government enhancing bridge safety following the Gambhira tragedy?

Surat, July 14 (NationPress) Following the unfortunate incident at Gambhira Bridge, the Gujarat government has initiated a comprehensive program aimed at inspecting, repairing, and expanding aging bridges while also fast-tracking the construction of new ones throughout the state. This proactive measure is designed to enhance public safety and alleviate traffic congestion on critical routes.

Among the significant projects currently in progress is the urgent refurbishment of the Tapi River bridge close to Kamrej on the heavily trafficked Ahmedabad-Mumbai Highway (NH-48). This bridge, which accommodates over 1.5 lakh vehicles daily, has become a safety concern due to its deteriorating expansion joints.

The plates covering these joints were shifting perilously, which heightened the risk of accidents. Acknowledging the serious nature of the situation, the Surat district administration promptly coordinated with police and officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to implement traffic diversions and initiate repairs immediately.

Surat District Collector Sourabh Pardhi remarked to IANS, “In the last two to three days, we conducted inspections with technical teams and administrative officers across all major and minor bridges in Surat district. We issued immediate instructions for corrective measures wherever issues were identified. Though the structural integrity of the Tapi bridge was intact, the expansion joints posed a risk. We had to act. Traffic was redirected onto the newly opened expressway, and repairs are currently well underway, expected to conclude within 20–25 days.”

He further noted that minor repairs on additional bridges in the district are being proactively managed.

“We’ve implemented necessary measures wherever required. Traffic has been redirected, and repair operations are in progress,” Pardhi stated.

NHAI officials present at the site explained the complexities involved in maintaining such a high-traffic bridge without an alternative route. Constructed in 2011, the bridge caters to 1.5–2 lakh vehicles daily.

“Previously, we had no viable options for closing or diverting traffic. However, with the opening of the Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway section, we finally gained an alternative. With the support of the state government, district administration, police, and our senior officials, we managed to divert traffic 48 hours ago and commenced repairs immediately,” stated NHAI Project Director Sanjay Yadav.

He emphasized that the repair work is being conducted round-the-clock.

“Our engineers and contractors are fully mobilized and working continuously day and night. We anticipate finishing these repairs within 30–35 days,” Yadav added.

In addition to emergency repairs, the state government and NHAI are also investing in sustainable solutions aimed at modernizing Gujarat’s essential highway infrastructure. Yadav revealed that the contractor responsible for the Kamrej repairs has been assigned the task of constructing 14 new bridges as part of a ₹600 crore project.

“Numerous old and narrow bridges exist between Vadodara, Bharuch, and Surat. All of these will be widened, and new parallel bridges will be constructed, including a new bridge over the Tapi, the three-lane Narmada Upper bridge, the Astra Dos bridge similar to the Astra Dos L&T bridge, and the Vishwamitri crossing. In total, 12–13 narrow bridges will be addressed under this 24-month contract,” Yadav concluded.

Residents have welcomed the government’s prompt actions. Pratap Singh Jala, a local resident, noted, “People used to experience significant challenges, but after the accident, officials acted swiftly. It’s a commendable initiative.”

Maga Bhai Vyaabhai Bharwar, another local, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Previously, traffic was a substantial concern, but the Collector himself came to inspect the bridge. Improvements are visible.”