The Hatkeshwar bridge in Ahmedabad, constructed in 2017 at a cost of ₹40 crore by contractor Ajay Infracon, has remained closed for over 1,500 days due to persistent structural defects. Despite multiple repair attempts, the bridge—which developed potholes just months after its inauguration—was never fit for regular use. Its defect liability period lasted only one year.
Now, Mumbai-based Shree Ganesh Corporation is likely to be awarded the demolition contract, having emerged as the lowest bidder with a quote below the municipal estimate of ₹9.31 crore.
Panels from IIT Roorkee and two other expert institutions had earlier recommended a complete demolition and reconstruction of the structure. In response, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation floated tenders four times. On one occasion, Rajasthan-based firm Pungaliya had proposed to demolish and rebuild the bridge for ₹113 crore, but the tender was cancelled due to political intervention.
Awarding the contract to Shree Ganesh Corporation is expected to finally pave the way for the long-overdue reconstruction of the Hatkeshwar bridge—a vital connectivity link that has remained non-functional, causing ongoing inconvenience for city commuters.
Though initially built at a significant cost, the bridge’s substandard concrete quality rendered it unsafe and unusable.