The Gujarat Government has issued a clarification on the damage to the bridge over the Raniya Distributary connecting Sardarpur and Chitlav villages in Kheda district. Authorities said the nearly 60-year-old bridge had already been closed to heavy vehicles as a precautionary measure.
According to the government, soil settlement began around 9 am on Sunday at the Vented Regulator Bridge (VRB) on the Raniya Distributary, a branch canal in Raniya village of Thasra taluka. The settlement occurred at around 15,730 feet along the distributary. As the ground continued to settle, the bridge structure, including its pier and girder, sank into the riverbed.
The affected road comes under the Roads and Buildings Department (Panchayat) and connects the areas bordering Sardarpur and Chitlav villages. Officials confirmed that no casualties were reported in the incident.
Alternative routes announced
Authorities have identified alternative routes for commuters. A newly constructed Roads and Buildings Department bridge connecting Nes and Raniya villages is located around 1.4 km upstream from the damaged bridge and can be used to divert traffic.
Another alternative route is the Roads and Buildings Department road connecting Manjipura and Bhagwanji’s Muvada, located around 2.5 km from the affected bridge.
Renovation proposal submitted
Regarding the VRB Gambira Bridge incident, the Water Resources Department said that under the Roads and Buildings Department government resolution dated July 18, 2025, the Roads and Buildings Department (Panchayat) is responsible for taking necessary action, as roads under its jurisdiction are located on both sides of the bridge.
The Roads and Buildings Department (Panchayat) has accordingly submitted a proposal to the Gujarat Government in Gandhinagar for renovation of the bridge, the Water Resources Department said.