Major Infrastructure Boost for Vadodara Commuters
In a significant development for daily commuters in Gujarat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has given his official approval for Rs 9.12 crore to address the critical transportation crisis caused by the Gambhira bridge collapse over the Mahi river in Vadodara district. This funding will support both the construction of a new steel bridge and essential repair work on the damaged structure, offering much-awaited relief to thousands of pedestrians and two-wheeler riders who have faced immense difficulties since the tragic incident.
The Tragic Collapse and Its Aftermath
The original Gambhira bridge met with disaster on July 9 this year when a concrete slab between two piers suddenly gave way during peak morning traffic hours. The catastrophic failure sent multiple vehicles plunging into the river below, claiming 22 lives in one of the region's most devastating infrastructure failures.
Following the tragedy, thousands of daily commuters, particularly those employed in industrial units located in Padra and Borsad, encountered major disruptions to their daily routines. The collapse forced people to take lengthy detours, significantly increasing travel time and causing economic strain for workers and businesses alike.
Ongoing Construction and Future Relief
Even as the new funding approval comes through, construction work on a permanent replacement bridge connecting Vadodara and Anand districts has been progressing steadily. According to an official release, construction began during the monsoon season with work continuing round-the-clock to expedite completion.
The same official statement revealed that 22% of the new bridge's construction has already been completed, demonstrating significant progress despite challenging weather conditions. The proposal for urgent restoration of traffic flow was submitted by cabinet minister Raman Solanki, highlighting the government's recognition of the commuters' plight.
The roads and buildings department has conducted detailed inspections to assess the feasibility of installing a steel bridge as an interim solution. The department will now undertake the approved work on priority basis, ensuring that once completed, commuters traveling between Vadodara and Anand districts will experience substantial relief from the current detours and delays that have plagued their daily journeys since July.
