Ahmedabad to Inspect 14-Year-Old Bridges Following Collapse

Ahmedabad is taking action after a bridge collapse in Anand district. The local municipal corporation has decided to check all bridges in the city. The focus will be on bridges that are 15 years old or older. This includes load testing for some bridges over the Sabarmati River.

Devang Dani, the chairman of the municipal standing committee, said the corporation checks the strength of flyovers, railway bridges, and river bridges every year. However, to ensure safety, a thorough inspection is needed. The initial focus will be on 30 bridges built before 2010.

Load testing will also be conducted on key bridges like Sardar, Gandhi, and Nehru bridges over the Sabarmati River. This testing may cause traffic disruptions for three days. The municipal corporation will start with visual inspections and then check structural stability.

Every year, maintenance is performed on all bridges, and reports are submitted. Currently, repairs are ongoing for the Jivraj and Gandhi bridges. Repairs were also completed on the Chimnabhai Patel Bridge after complaints.

In addition, new centres will be opened to assist senior citizens using the BRTS service. Trimming of trees planted under the metro will also take place. Work on the trunk line in the eastern part of the city will finish in the next two to three days.

Once this work is complete, flooding and drainage issues in areas like Odhav, Vastral, and Nikol will be resolved. This will greatly improve conditions for residents during the rainy season.

Ahmedabad is known for its rich history, having been established in 1411 by Sultan Ahmad Shah. It has grown into a major commercial and industrial centre in western India, often referred to as the ‘Manchester of the East’ due to its textile industry.

The city is home to many historical sites and modern infrastructure, making it a key player in Gujarat’s economy. With ongoing development and safety measures, Ahmedabad aims to ensure that its residents can safely navigate the city’s transport networks while enjoying the benefits of its vibrant community and economy.