Gambhira Bridge Tragedy, 5 Bridges on Narmada Canal Closed, 36 More to Undergo Repairs

Following the recent collapse of the Gambhira Bridge over the Mahi River in Vadodara, a statewide inspection has led to the closure of five bridges along the Narmada Canal, deemed unsafe for vehicular traffic.

According to a media report, the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNNL), Gujarat’s Narmada Canal network stretches over 69,000 km and irrigates around 17.92 lakh hectares of land. There are approximately 2,110 bridges along the canal, linking national highways, state highways, and rural roads.

To assess their structural integrity and prevent future mishaps, SSNNL launched an extensive visual inspection campaign across all bridges on the canal network. Based on the inspection, five bridges were found to be critically unsafe and have been completely shut down for all traffic. Additionally, four other bridges have been restricted to light vehicles only due to concerns over load-bearing capacity.

Further, 36 more bridges have been flagged for immediate repairs, with directives issued to the respective district administrations. Field offices have also been instructed to take necessary safety precautions for the remaining 2,065 bridges.

Bridges Closed for All Traffic:

1. Bridge between Ajitgarh and Ghantila villages on the Malia Branch Canal, Morbi district
2. Bridge between NH-151A and Machhu River on the Malia Branch Canal, Morbi district
3. Bridge near Dhanki-Chharad village in Lakhtar taluka on the Saurashtra Branch Canal, Surendranagar district
4. Bridge near Lakhtar-Vana village on the Saurashtra Branch Canal, Surendranagar district
5. Bridge near Bala-Bala Farm in Wadhwan taluka on the Saurashtra Branch Canal, Surendranagar district

Bridges Restricted for Heavy Vehicles:

1. Bridge on the state highway between Phaedra-Bagodara and Bhavnagar, Vallabhipur Branch Canal, Ahmedabad district
2. Bridge on the canal along the state highway between Naroda (Ahmedabad) and Dehgam (Gandhinagar)
3. Bridge on the canal road between Raipur and Medara, Ahmedabad district
4. Bridge on the road between Phutula and Suigam, Kutch Branch Canal, Santalur taluka, Patan district