A consultant agency will submit a detailed report on the condition of the busy Subhash Bridge, which connects eastern and western Ahmedabad, to the Municipal Corporation on Tuesday. The report states that while the bridge’s pillars remain structurally sound, serious defects have been found in the superstructure (span), making it unsafe.
The agency has proposed three options: completely demolishing the bridge and rebuilding it, constructing new pillars beneath the damaged span, or strengthening the bridge with a steel structure. After reviewing the report, the Municipal Corporation will forward it to the state government.
Crucial decision expected
A high-level committee meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, is likely to be held later today to take a final call, keeping public safety and the future of the bridge in mind. Sources said that if repairs or span replacement are undertaken, the bridge may remain closed to vehicular traffic for a prolonged period.
To minimise inconvenience to commuters and ensure a long-term solution, the government is seriously considering the construction of a new four-lane bridge.