Residents of Ahmedabad are worried about the Mumatpura Flyover’s safety after the recent Gambhira bridge collapse that killed 17 people. The Mumatpura Flyover, which connects Bopal and Shela on the SP Ring Road, is 853 meters long and has a troubled history. In December 2021, part of the flyover collapsed during construction, raising questions about its quality. Although it was completed and inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2023, concerns are now resurfacing.
On July 10, reports revealed significant cracks on the flyover, alarming daily commuters. Many people are now avoiding the flyover due to fears of a potential collapse. Local residents have been reporting water seepage through the cracks to the contractor, Ranjit Buildcon, but they feel their concerns are being ignored. One resident from Ghuma said, “After what happened in Gambhira, seeing such flaws on this flyover is terrifying. We’re worried this could be the next collapse.”
Another resident, Mukesh Singh, expressed similar anxiety. “The cracks are clearly visible from a distance. The tremors we feel when vehicles pass over only add to our fears. Why isn’t the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) acting with urgency?” he questioned.
In response to these fears, Sanjay Patel, an Executive Engineer at AUDA, acknowledged the cracks and stated that repairs were being carried out under the Defect Liability Period (DLP). He mentioned that the cracks are expansion joints designed to absorb stress from thermal movement and that they would be periodically refilled to prevent water from seeping in. However, he reassured residents that there was no immediate cause for alarm.
Despite these reassurances, residents remain sceptical. Many feel that AUDA often waits for public outcry before taking action. A local resident pointed out that these defects had been flagged previously, and they question why the contractor isn’t maintaining the flyover proactively. The flyover’s history of delays and previous collapses only adds to their distrust. While the project was initially set for completion in September 2021, it faced setbacks due to the earlier collapse.
Visible cracks, water seepage, and vibrations felt during vehicle movement have left residents worried. After the Gambhira tragedy, they fear that ignoring these signs could lead to another disaster.
Authorities have been under scrutiny due to previous bridge collapses in Gujarat. In October 2022, a British-era suspension bridge in Morbi collapsed, resulting in 135 deaths. Other recent incidents include the collapse of a newly built bridge in Tapi district in June 2023 and another in Palanpur in October 2023, which resulted in fatalities.
The government has been taking steps to improve bridge safety, including blacklisting contractors and suspending officials. However, residents are calling for more immediate action and transparency from the authorities regarding the ongoing safety of the Mumatpura Flyover.
As the safety concerns grow, residents are left hoping that their voices will be heard before another tragedy strikes. The need for effective maintenance and regular inspections of infrastructure is more important than ever in light of recent events. Staying vigilant and proactive is essential for ensuring public safety in Ahmedabad and across Gujarat.
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