Is the Tapi River Bridge Near Kamrej Really Closed for Repairs After the Gambhira Collapse That Killed 18?
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Synopsis
The Tapi River bridge on NH-48 near Kamrej is closed for repairs after the Gambhira bridge collapse. Urgent measures are in place for traffic diversion, with significant implications for local motorists. Discover how authorities are responding to this crisis and the expected timeline for the repairs.
Key Takeaways
- The Tapi River bridge on NH-48 is closed for repairs.
- Traffic is being diverted via the Kim-to-Ena stretch of the Expressway.
- Two-wheelers are not allowed on the Expressway route.
- The repair work is set to last at least 28 days.
- Safety measures are being enhanced for commuters.
Ahmedabad, July 11 (NationPress) The Tapi River bridge situated on National Highway 48 close to Kamrej will be officially closed starting Friday as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated emergency repair work following the tragic collapse of the Gambhira bridge, which resulted in 18 fatalities and left two individuals unaccounted for.
This bridge closure is set to last for a month, part of a comprehensive repair initiative that has led the Surat district administration to implement a traffic diversion along the Kim-to-Ena segment of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway.
A directive from the administration has mandated the NHAI to install clear signage for the new routes, ensuring that drivers are adequately informed about these changes.
Importantly, two-wheelers will not be allowed on the Expressway route.
The NH-48 corridor is characterized by two parallel bridges serving traffic in opposing directions. While the Surat-to-Bharuch bridge remains structurally secure, the Bharuch-to-Surat bridge has developed a widening gap between two slabs caused by damage to the expansion joint.
A temporary steel plate has been placed to cover this gap, but prior repair attempts—restricted to just an eight-hour closure—did not yield a sustainable fix.
Under the new traffic plan, vehicles (excluding two-wheelers) traveling from Bharuch will be redirected at Kim to join the Expressway, with an exit near Ena village in Palsana taluka before rejoining NH-48.
Traffic flow from Surat to Bharuch will not be affected. The old bridge connecting Kholvad and Kathor, linked to the highway, is now limited to two-wheelers only, as heavy vehicles are prohibited due to safety concerns.
“This repair phase is expected to last a minimum of 28 days,” confirmed an NHAI official, indicating that with the Expressway offering an alternative route, full-scale repairs on the Bharuch-to-Surat section can commence.
The urgency of this situation was highlighted after Union Water Resources Minister C.R. Patil brought it to the attention of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari.
In response to ministry directives, the NHAI has accelerated preparations to make the Kim-to-Ena diversion route operational for vehicles arriving in Surat from Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Bharuch.
Barriers on the Expressway have been removed to facilitate smoother traffic flow, along with additional safety measures to enhance commuter convenience.
In addition, authorities have also prohibited heavy vehicles from using the Rangsetu bridge near Shinor.
This bridge, found on the Segva–Rajpipla route, connects Shinor in Vadodara district with Nandod in Narmada district and is frequently utilized by freight carriers traveling to and from Maharashtra.
Constructed in 2005, this bridge has seen multiple repairs—once in 2015-16, costing Rs 10 crore and taking over six years, and again in 2021, with Rs 1.25 crore spent over two months.
Following the Gambhira collapse, officials have now decided to decommission this aging structure for heavy-duty traffic and are proposing the construction of a new bridge, projected to cost over Rs 250 crore.
Point of View
It is essential to prioritize safety in infrastructure management. The NHAI's swift action to repair the Tapi River bridge reflects a commitment to public safety and the necessity of maintaining vital transportation routes in our rapidly developing regions. We stand with the authorities in their efforts to safeguard lives and enhance our infrastructure.
NationPress
08/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Tapi River bridge closed?
The bridge is closed for urgent repairs following the Gambhira bridge collapse that resulted in 18 fatalities.
How long will the repairs take?
The repair work is expected to last at least 28 days.
Are there alternative routes for commuters?
Yes, traffic has been diverted via the Kim-to-Ena stretch of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway.
Will two-wheelers be allowed on the Expressway?
No, two-wheelers will not be permitted on the Expressway route.
What measures are being taken for traffic management?
Clear signage is being installed for diverted routes, and barriers on the Expressway have been removed to ensure smoother traffic.
