Rajkot: The newly constructed four-lane railway overbridge on Jamnagar Road, popularly known as Sandhya Bridge, is fully ready for public use but remains closed because the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) has not yet announced its new office-bearers. This political delay has stalled the formal inauguration of the bridge, leaving daily commuters frustrated.
Bridge Construction and Closure Details
The old two-lane bridge was demolished and replaced with a modern four-lane structure at a cost of Rs 74.32 crore. However, the bridge has been shut since May 2024, forcing an estimated 1.5 lakh daily commuters to take narrow detours through the Bhomeshwar area. During peak hours, motorists face severe traffic congestion and long waits at railway crossings due to the closure.
Political Hurdles and Opposition Demands
Although construction was completed days ago, the bridge has not been opened to the public. Opposition parties have demanded its immediate opening, citing the hardships faced by commuters. To prevent premature use, authorities have blocked the entry with a mud wall and deployed police personnel at the site. The RMC has also installed an empty inauguration plaque, reportedly pending confirmation of the names of the new office-bearers.
According to sources, the civic body plans to invite Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to inaugurate the bridge alongside other projects once the new RMC team is announced. Reports suggest the names of the new office-bearers are likely to be declared from Gandhinagar next week. The appointments were delayed due to the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Gujarat and prolonged deliberations after the local body election results were declared on April 28.
Public and Political Reactions
Gayatriba Vaghela, vice-president of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee, in a representation to the municipal commissioner, stated: “The bridge has already received clearance for public use from the authorities and should be opened without further delay to end the ordeal of commuters.”
In-charge municipal commissioner Anandu Suresh Govind said, “Finishing work on the bridge is underway, which may take three or four days. We plan to open the bridge as soon as possible.”
