The glass floor of the city’s iconic Atal Bridge has developed cracks seven months after its inauguration. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has now closed a portion of the bridge for visitors.
The foot-over-bridge, which connects the east and west banks of the Sabarmati riverfront, cost Rs 75 crore to build.
The bridge, which has become a major attraction for both city residents and visitors, is visited by thousands of people every day, and even more so during the holidays.
The AMC had previously limited the number of visitors to 3,000 in order to avoid a heavy rush and burden on the bridge.
The Sabarmati Riverfront is overseen by Deputy Municipal Commissioner I K Patel, who stated that it is reinforced with two layers of glass. Some cracks have appeared in the inner layer of the glass floor.
The glass would be replaced as it is under the guarantee period, he added and claimed that AMC would ensure full safety of visitors on the bridge.
Meanwhile, leader of opposition Shahezad Pathan said that this is another example of mismanagement of ruling party. He said, “Contractors are given hefty amount and the work is below standard. The case of Hateskshwar Bridge is an example as to how AMC is spending crores of rupees without ensuring quality.”