Closure of Five Bridges in Valsad for Heavy Vehicles Sparks Concerns

In Valsad, Gujarat, five major bridges on National Highway 56 have been closed to heavy vehicles. This decision follows a recent tragic incident where a bridge in Vadodara collapsed, resulting in the loss of 20 lives. The local authorities have taken swift action to ensure safety on the roads. The district collector, Vaibhav Verma, announced the closure after discussions with the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and other officials.

The bridges that have been closed are:
– Valsad-Lilapur Bridge
– Degam Khadi Bridge near Vapi
– Kokel River Bridge
– Karanjveri Bridge near Dharampur
– Tan River Bridge
Additionally, the bridge over the Vadkhamba River near Nanaponda has been closed for stability checks.

This closure comes as part of a structural audit that is currently underway. Authorities are conducting technical surveys to assess the safety of the bridges. In total, Valsad district has 235 bridges, of which 162 are major bridges. The recent bridge collapse in Vadodara has raised alarms about the condition of such structures in the state.

Many residents are questioning whether the government was aware of the risks posed by these bridges before the recent incidents. Some critics have labelled the government’s response as a delayed reaction, arguing that they should have acted sooner to prevent such tragedies. The argument is that the authorities tend to take action only after a major accident occurs, rather than proactively ensuring road safety.

The Valsad closures are intended to prevent further incidents. For the time being, drivers are advised to use alternative routes until the repairs and safety checks are completed. The authorities have set a timeline for reporting on the conditions of all bridges in the region within three days.

The bridge in Vadodara, which collapsed on July 9, was over 40 years old and fell suddenly, causing vehicles to plunge into the river below. This incident has highlighted the urgent need for better maintenance and regular inspections of infrastructure. In response to the tragedy, a special investigation committee has been formed, and the Chief Minister, Bhupendra Patel, has ordered a high-level inquiry into the collapse.

The loss of life and the subsequent reactions from the government have sparked a broader conversation about safety standards and accountability in public infrastructure. As investigations continue, locals remain anxious about the stability of other bridges in the area and the potential for further accidents. The government must take meaningful action to ensure the safety of all transport routes and prevent future tragedies.

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