Are Vadodara's Bridges Safe? Municipal Council Declares 41 Structures Secure
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In the aftermath of the Gambhira-Mujpur bridge tragedy, the Vadodara Municipal Corporation has conducted a thorough audit of all city bridges. With 41 structures deemed safe, the council emphasizes its commitment to public safety. Discover how the city is ensuring structural integrity and preventing future incidents.
Key Takeaways
- 41 out of 43 bridges in Vadodara declared safe.
- Two bridges identified as unsafe, including the foot overbridge at Kamatibagh.
- Comprehensive safety audits conducted by VMC.
- Authorities emphasize public safety and proactive measures.
- Considerable public concern following recent bridge failures.
Vadodara, July 10 (NationPress) Following the tragic collapse of the Gambhira-Mujpur bridge in Padra taluka that resulted in 15 fatalities, heightened concerns regarding the structural integrity of other bridges in Vadodara, Gujarat have emerged. The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has reassured the public that the majority of the bridges under its oversight have undergone recent evaluations and have been confirmed as structurally safe.
The Gambhira-Mujpur bridge, constructed in 1985, was heavily trafficked by large vehicles seeking to avoid toll charges and had previously been reported by local residents due to structural issues. This incident marks the 12th bridge failure in Gujarat in the last five years.
As part of its preparations for the monsoon season, the VMC performed a detailed safety audit on all 43 bridges across the city.
According to Shital Mistry, Chairman of the VMC Standing Committee, 41 of these structures have successfully passed inspection and are confirmed safe for public use.
The audit included 14 railway bridges, 22 overbridges, four flyovers, and one additional bridge.
Mistry remarked, "A consultant was engaged to conduct assessments on the structural stability prior to the monsoon. The audits were jointly executed by the selected agency and municipal engineers. Based on their findings, 41 bridges are structurally safe."
Nonetheless, the audit identified two bridges as unsafe.
One is the foot overbridge at Kamatibagh, which has been completely closed. The second is the old Jambua bridge, which has been restricted to vehicular traffic.
“The Engineering Department has been given strict orders to promptly carry out any outstanding minor or major repairs on all bridges,” Dr. Mistry added.
He further highlighted that the corporation is taking all necessary measures to avert incidents similar to the Padra bridge disaster.
“The Vadodara Municipal Corporation is dedicated to public safety and is conducting thorough and transparent audits to ensure that no such tragedies occur within the city,” the official stated.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the ongoing challenges regarding infrastructure safety in our cities. The recent bridge collapse in Vadodara serves as a grim reminder of the need for rigorous assessments and maintenance of public structures. The proactive approach taken by the Vadodara Municipal Corporation in conducting thorough audits is commendable. However, continuous monitoring and timely interventions remain essential to safeguard the lives of citizens.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bridges were audited by VMC?
The Vadodara Municipal Corporation audited a total of 43 bridges.
What safety measures are being implemented?
The VMC has mandated immediate repairs for any identified unsafe bridges to ensure public safety.
Which bridges were found to be unsafe?
The foot overbridge at Kamatibagh and the old Jambua bridge were flagged as unsafe.
What steps are being taken to prevent future bridge collapses?
The VMC is conducting thorough audits and implementing necessary repairs on all bridges to prevent future incidents.
When was the Gambhira-Mujpur bridge built?
The Gambhira-Mujpur bridge was constructed in 1985.
