Ahmedabad's 53-year-old Subhash Bridge is headed for complete demolition and reconstruction, after a panel of leading structural experts unanimously concluded on Wednesday, 24 June that tearing down the ageing span and building afresh is the safest and most durable long-term solution. The recommendation, presented to Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), comes more than six months after the bridge was shut to traffic over serious structural concerns.

What the Expert Panel Found

The technical assessment was carried out by engineers from IIT Roorkee, IIT Gandhinagar, noted bridge specialist Mahesh Tandon, and other experienced structural engineers. Their evaluation focused on the bridge's existing substructure and piers, which span the Sabarmati river and connect Subhash Circle with Shahibaug — a critical link between the northern and central parts of the city.

The panel found that the existing piers and substructure have reached an age where retaining them and constructing a new superstructure on top would create significant technical limitations. Crucially, experts warned that such a hybrid approach could compromise the ability to achieve a 100-year design life for the rebuilt structure.

Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani quoted the panel's unanimous view: 'If the existing old piers and superstructure are completely removed and replaced with a new structure, it will provide a safer, more durable and more effective long-term solution.'

Why the Bridge Was Closed

The bridge, constructed in 1973, was shut on 4 December 2024 after engineers detected settlement in a span above one of the piers and observed cracks in a parapet section. The closure was precautionary, and detailed structural inspections by multiple technical institutions followed in the months since.

Notably, the bridge had served the city for over five decades without a major structural overhaul, making the current findings a culmination of long-deferred maintenance concerns rather than a sudden failure.

AMC's Next Steps

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has not yet issued a final decision. Commissioner Pani said the civic body is currently analysing the cost difference between the two available options — partial retention versus full reconstruction — along with the time required for completion, the projected lifespan of each approach, and other technical factors.

The proposed design will also be reviewed by the Roads and Buildings Department, which will undertake the necessary approval procedures before work can begin. Pani indicated that AMC is pursuing expedited processes at all levels to deliver 'a safe and modern bridge for the long term' at the earliest.

Impact on Ahmedabad Commuters

The Subhash Bridge has been out of service since December 2024, disrupting a key arterial connection between northern and central Ahmedabad. A full demolition-and-rebuild timeline has not yet been announced, meaning commuters on this corridor may face a prolonged diversion period. The final decision is expected after the completion of ongoing technical studies and cost analyses in the coming days.