Why Did Ahmedabad Sanction Rs 21.55 Crore for Repairing Key City Bridges?
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Synopsis
In a decisive move, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has allocated Rs 21.55 crore for critical repairs to three aging bridges. This article explores the implications of this decision following a series of tragic bridge collapses, highlighting the need for infrastructure safety in the city.
Key Takeaways
- The AMC has approved Rs 21.55 crore for bridge repairs.
- The repairs focus on three major bridges in Ahmedabad.
- Structural enhancements include span lifting and bearing replacement.
- The initiative follows a tragic bridge collapse.
- Infrastructure safety is a growing concern in Gujarat.
Ahmedabad, Oct 22 (NationPress) The standing committee of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has approved a significant proposal worth Rs 21.55 crore aimed at executing vital repair work on three of the city’s aging bridges: Gandhi Bridge, Sardar Bridge, and Parikshitlal Majmudar Bridge.
The initiative includes the lifting of 89 bridge spans—38 on Gandhi Bridge, 48 on Sardar Bridge, and 3 on Parikshitlal Majmudar Bridge—along with replacing the deteriorated elastomeric bearings to enhance both structural integrity and safety.
This resolution comes in the wake of the Gambhira Bridge collapse on July 9, which prompted the state government to mandate thorough inspections of all city bridges and initiate urgent repairs as necessary.
An AMC representative noted that due to the absence of an active tender for this type of work, the scope of work for the current Ellis Bridge contractor was expanded to encompass these three bridges.
Additionally, the committee approved a budget increase for the Ellis Bridge restoration—from Rs 26.88 crore to Rs 42.90 crore—sanctioning an extra Rs 16 crore for the project.
As per officials, substantial strengthening measures on the Gandhi Bridge have already been finalized, including the installation of new steel plates and seismic arresters, with minimal disruption to traffic. Similar operations for bearing replacement and span lifting are planned.
In recent years, Gujarat has faced a concerning trend of bridge failures: the catastrophic collapse of the century-old suspension bridge over the Machchhu River in Morbi in 2022 resulted in at least 141 fatalities. In December 2021, a slab from the under-construction Mumtapura flyover in Ahmedabad fell (no casualties).
In 2023, a newly constructed bridge over the Mindhola River in Tapi district collapsed (no injuries), while another bridge in Surendranagar buckled under a heavy dumper, injuring four individuals. In October, an under-construction over-bridge near Palanpur experienced a girder collapse, resulting in two deaths. Most recently, on July 9, 2025, a four-decade-old span of the Gambhira Bridge in Vadodara district failed, sending vehicles into the Mahisagar River and leading to at least 19 fatalities.
Point of View
I believe that the allocation of funds for bridge maintenance is crucial for public safety. The recent tragedies underscore the urgent need for proactive measures in infrastructure management. The AMC's decision reflects a commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens and restoring trust in public infrastructure.
NationPress
23/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total amount sanctioned for bridge repairs in Ahmedabad?
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has sanctioned Rs 21.55 crore for the maintenance of three key bridges.
Which bridges are set to undergo repairs?
The bridges undergoing repairs are Gandhi Bridge, Sardar Bridge, and Parikshitlal Majmudar Bridge.
Why were these repairs deemed necessary?
The repairs were deemed necessary following the collapse of the Gambhira Bridge, which raised concerns about the structural integrity of other bridges.
What specific work will be done on the bridges?
The project includes lifting bridge spans and replacing worn-out elastomeric bearings to enhance stability and safety.
What previous incidents highlight the urgency of these repairs?
Recent bridge collapses in Gujarat, including the tragic incident in Morbi, emphasize the need for immediate infrastructure improvements.
