In Gujarat’s Vadodara district, a 12-meter-long slab of a 40-year-old bridge suddenly collapsed. The incident occurred on 9th July at 7:55 AM in Padra taluka when nine vehicles, including two trucks and two pickup vans, were on the bridge. These vehicles plunged 110 feet into the Mahisagar River, while one truck remained dangling at the edge. The tragedy claimed 15 lives, including two children, with four people still missing.
This is the second bridge collapse in Gujarat after the Morbi bridge disaster three years ago. The Ghambhira Bridge connects central and south Gujarat, with around 25 companies located near Padra. Over 20,000 employees use this bridge daily to commute to work.
After the collapse, a tanker got stuck on the broken edge and remained trapped even 24 hours later. The Ghambhira Bridge was constructed by the Uttar Pradesh State Bridge Corporation in 1981-82. The company had claimed that the bridge was built using the “cross-arm pier cap” technology, where pillars are spaced farther apart and connected by girders. Engineers, however, allege that this method benefits contractors and companies by reducing cement and concrete usage.
Retired engineer Shah from Gujarat’s Roads and Buildings Department stated that the UP State Bridge Corporation had proudly claimed it was India’s first bridge using this technology. “If a bridge collapses after just 40-45 years, it indicates severe negligence in construction and the use of substandard materials. The company should be blacklisted, and all its other bridges must be inspected,” he said.
Bearings Replaced in 2015 Due to Deterioration
Officials revealed that the Ghambhira Bridge was found to be in poor condition in 2015, forcing authorities to replace its bearings. “The poor quality of materials used during construction led to this situation, highlighting gross negligence,” an investigating officer said.
Demand for a New Bridge in 2022 Ignored
The administration had been warned about the bridge’s deteriorating state, and in 2022, demands were made to close it and construct a new one. In August 2022, a team of experts from Gandhinagar inspected the structure but allegedly suppressed the report despite finding flaws.
Same Company Built Sindhrot Bridge Four Years Later
The UP State Bridge Corporation, which won the Gujarat government’s tender, also constructed the Sindhrot Bridge on the Mahisagar River four years after the Ghambhira Bridge. Officials confirmed that the company built 5-6 other bridges, including the Mahi Kotar Bridge, all of which now require inspection.
Given the heavy traffic load, the Chief Minister had approved ₹212 crore three months ago for a new bridge over the Mahisagar River. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and announced financial aid for the victims’ families.