If you’re planning to travel from Gujarat to Mumbai by road, brace for significant delays. The journey is expected to become more chaotic and time-consuming as authorities have shut down the Kholvad Bridge on NH-48 near Kamrej in Surat for a month-long repair.
The Surat Collector has issued a public notice announcing the closure of the bridge, which spans the Tapi River, warning motorists of extended travel time that could stretch by several hours.
Alternate Route via Expressway
To ease the disruption, a 46-km expressway stretch between Kim and Ena village via Palsana was opened on Thursday. Motorists traveling from Bharuch to Mumbai are advised to divert through this newly accessible route. For traffic from Surat city, entry points to the expressway are available at Kim and Ena village.
Bridge in Disrepair for Two Years
The Kholvad Bridge has been in a damaged condition for over two years, yet no significant repairs had been initiated until now. Despite thousands of vehicles, including state transport buses, using the bridge daily, temporary fixes like a seven-foot iron plate had been placed to keep it operational.
Describing the risky commute, a regular traveller from Ankleshwar to Surat shared, “There’s a section on the Kholvad Bridge where all buses pass. We used to pray before crossing that iron plate and felt real relief only after making it across.”
Action After Gambhira Bridge Collapse
The sudden move to shut the bridge comes in the wake of the Gambhira bridge collapse over the Mahi River near Padra in Vadodara on Wednesday, which claimed several lives. The tragedy has put district administrations across Gujarat on high alert, prompting urgent safety checks and repair initiatives.
Travellers are advised to plan ahead, expect longer routes, and stay updated on traffic advisories over the coming weeks.