The Gujarat government on Sunday, 18 October 2026, ordered stringent action against a contractor after serious structural defects were discovered in a bridge over the Karjan river in Narmada district, compelling authorities to suspend all vehicular traffic on the structure. An FIR has been lodged against the contractor, and departmental proceedings have been ordered against government officials found responsible.

The Bridge and the Contract

The bridge, located on the Rajpipla-Ramgadh (Navagam) road, was awarded to Surat-based Royal Infra Engineering Private Limited during 2018-19 at a tender value of ₹10.71 crore. Construction commenced on 15 September 2018 and was physically completed on 14 August 2020. The structure serves as an important connectivity link in the region.

How the Defects Were Detected

During a routine inspection, officials observed settlement in one of the bridge's foundations — a warning sign that prompted the Roads and Buildings Department to direct its Quality Control Division to conduct a comprehensive structural assessment. The full inspection revealed further defects across multiple sections of the bridge, leading authorities to declare it unsuitable and unsafe for vehicular traffic. Traffic movement over the structure was subsequently suspended.

Action Ordered by the Chief Minister

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel took note of the findings and directed the department to initiate criminal proceedings against the contractor and its representatives under applicable legal provisions. An FIR has been filed at Rajpipla police station against Royal Infra Engineering Private Limited. Additionally, departmental proceedings are to be initiated against officials and employees found responsible for construction deficiencies and negligence, under the Gujarat State Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1971.

Accountability and Public Safety

The state government stated that the action is intended to enforce accountability for construction quality and public safety. Notably, this case highlights a recurring concern in Indian infrastructure — structural failures surfacing years after a project's formal completion, when oversight mechanisms have wound down. The bridge was completed over four years before the defects were detected, raising questions about interim quality audits and inspection protocols for completed public works. The government's move to hold both the private contractor and government personnel accountable signals an intent to avoid siloing responsibility on one party alone.

What Happens Next

The bridge remains closed to vehicular traffic pending a full structural review. Departmental proceedings against the responsible officials are expected to proceed under the 1971 service rules. The criminal case against the contractor will be investigated by Rajpipla police. Commuters on the Rajpipla-Ramgadh (Navagam) corridor will need alternate routes until the structure is either repaired, reinforced, or replaced.