Three bridges in Ahmedabad — Gandhi Bridge, Subhash Bridge, and Parikshit Bridge — have been identified as being in poor and potentially hazardous condition, according to sources in the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). While a government press release on Monday did not mention specific names, insiders confirmed that these three structures require immediate repairs due to worn-out joints and expansion systems.According to a media report, the findings come amid growing concerns over the deteriorating condition of several bridges across the city. Images of ongoing repair work on Chimanbhai Patel Bridge surfaced earlier this week, while Shastri Bridge on National Highway-47 near Vishala is also under close surveillance due to its fragile state.Statewide Bridge Inspections Begin Post-Vadodara CollapseThe alarming state of infrastructure follows the recent collapse of the Gambhira Bridge in Vadodara district, prompting the state government to launch a comprehensive inspection drive of bridges and roads across Gujarat. The Roads and Buildings Department’s National Highways division deployed senior engineers and design officers to conduct joint inspections of structural elements including superstructures, substructures, expansion joints, parapet walls, and drainage systems.97 Bridges Closed Across Gujarat as PrecautionAs part of the state-wide safety audit, 97 bridges have been closed to vehicular movement across Gujarat. These include 12 on national highways, 23 on panchayat roads, and 62 on state highways. Among them is the bridge over Vallabhipur Branch Canal on the Ahmedabad-Bhavnagar Highway, which has been shut for heavy vehicles for 90 days starting Monday.AMC Bridge Report: Three Found to Be DilapidatedOut of 79 bridges managed by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, 61 are classified as being in “very good” condition, 10 in “good” condition, while three — Gandhi, Subhash, and Parikshit — are now labelled “dilapidated.”In comparison, Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation oversees three bridges, with two in very good condition and one in good condition. Surat, often referred to as the “City of Bridges,” maintains 121 bridges — 80 in very good shape, 15 in good condition, and 26 found to be dilapidated.Across all municipal corporations in the state, out of 364 bridges, 231 are in very good condition, 89 in good condition, and 39 are classified as dilapidated.AMC Tackles Monsoon DamageMeanwhile, municipal corporations are also responding to widespread monsoon-related road damage. Of the 14,566 reported potholes in major cities, 14,447 have been filled. Ahmedabad alone received 7,326 complaints regarding potholes, road damage, and waterlogging, of which 6,594 have been resolved. Patchwork has been completed on 159.74 kilometres out of 323.19 kilometres of damaged roads in the city.Officials have assured that the remaining road repairs and pothole fillings will be completed within the next two days.
