In Banaskantha, Gujarat, a thorough inspection of 149 bridges is currently underway. This initiative comes after the recent tragic incident at the Gajra Bridge, prompting the Chief Minister, Bhupendra Patel, to direct local authorities to ensure the safety of bridges across the district. Collector Mihir Patel has formed various teams to conduct safety audits and inspections of these structures. The audits aim to be completed within a month, after which a report will be submitted to the government.
Recently, Collector Patel conducted a site inspection of the Ratanpur-Merwada bridge along National Highway 58 with a technical team. Preliminary observations indicate that the bridge is not in a critical condition at this time. A specialised technical audit will follow to assess its safety further. Additionally, the government has approved the construction of a new bridge at Ratanpur-Merwada. The tender process for this project has already been completed, and a work order is expected to be issued by the end of July 2025.
The inspection teams consist of officials from different departments, including the Road and Building Department and the Panchayat Department. They are tasked with inspecting all 149 bridges, including the Khar Bridge at Ikbalgarh, which requires urgent repairs and is currently restricted to heavy vehicles.
In a related effort, officials and the technical team inspected the Sisrana-Chitrada bridge in the Vadgam taluka. The Collector has instructed the National Highway Authority, as well as the state’s Road and Building and Panchayat departments, to conduct immediate structural safety audits of all bridges, culverts, and overpasses in the district.
Banaskantha is located in the northern part of Gujarat and has a unique geographical landscape. It is known for its dry climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The district is home to various wildlife sanctuaries, such as the Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary and the Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary. In terms of administration, it comprises six talukas following the recent restructuring in January 2025, when two new districts were formed.
The safety of infrastructure is crucial for the development and connectivity of Banaskantha. Residents are hopeful that these inspections will lead to improved safety measures for all bridge structures in the area. With the government’s commitment to building new bridges and maintaining existing ones, the local community looks forward to enhanced transportation links and reduced risks of accidents on these vital structures.
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