Former Opposition Leader Calls for Investigation into Vadodara's ₹31 Crore Bridge Resurfacing Project
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Synopsis
The resurfacing project for 12 bridges in Vadodara by the VMC, costing ₹31 crore, has triggered concerns from former LoP Ami Ben Rawat, prompting calls for an investigation and transparency regarding public fund usage.
Key Takeaways
- Concerns raised over ₹31 crore bridge project.
- Former LoP demands investigation and transparency.
- Allegations of unnecessary repairs on sound bridges.
- Call for public release of advisory reports.
- Political debate surrounding public spending.
Vadodara, April 3 (NationPress) The resurfacing initiative by the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) on 12 city bridges, with an estimated budget of ₹31 crore, is now under scrutiny. Ami Ben Rawat, the former Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Gujarat Assembly, has expressed her apprehensions regarding the expenditure, accusing the corporation of misusing public funds for unnecessary repairs.
She has formally contacted the Municipal Commissioner, Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and the current Opposition leader, insisting on the need for transparency and a thorough investigation into this matter.
Rawat asserts that rather than comprehensive resurfacing, most of these bridges need only minor repairs or patchwork.
Moreover, she alleges that the corporation has failed to disclose the advisory report concerning the bridge conditions prior to the project’s approval.
She is demanding the public release of this report, arguing that the decision seems financially unwise.
According to Rawat, many of the 12 bridges slated for resurfacing are structurally sound and do not necessitate such extensive work.
She has called for a vigilance inquiry into the decision-making process of the corporation, questioning whether appropriate due diligence was exercised before funds were allocated.
This issue has ignited a political discussion, with local leaders and civic activists closely monitoring the situation.
As the controversy develops, the municipal authorities have yet to address the allegations.
With increasing public concern regarding the use of taxpayers’ money, this matter is expected to gain momentum in the coming days.
Gujarat has seen numerous instances where infrastructure projects, especially those involving bridge constructions and repairs, have faced criticism due to claims of mismanagement, financial irregularities, and safety issues.
Prominent cases include the Hatkeshwar flyover, constructed in 2017, which exhibited structural problems within four years. Cracks and damages led to partial demolition plans, raising questions about construction quality and oversight.
In January 2025, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) encountered accusations of favoritism in awarding the reconstruction tender, as the project had yet to commence even four months after approval.
In April 2023, the AMC sanctioned the Sattadhar flyover project with an estimated budget of ₹81.49 crore.
This project faced backlash due to its short defect liability period of three years, particularly when compared to other projects with longer periods, sparking concerns about long-term accountability and construction standards.
About 16 months ago, the Gujarat High Court criticized the state government for its slow response to repairing bridges in Gondal.
The Gondal Municipality cited financial constraints, struggling even to pay staff salaries, underscoring issues of financial mismanagement and neglect in maintaining critical infrastructure.
