In Banaskantha district, a new announcement has been made regarding the bridge connecting Ratanpur and Merwada. The District Magistrate, Mihir Patel, has issued a notice under the Gujarat Police Act of 1951. This notice states that heavy vehicles are now banned from using the bridge between Ratanpur and Merwada. The decision aims to ensure safety and maintain order in the area.
As a result of this ban, heavy vehicles will need to take alternative routes. For those travelling from Ratanpur to Merwada, the new route is:
1. Ratanpur Chowkdi to Merwada Chowkdi (via Palanpur to Ambaji): Ratanpur Chowkdi – Lalawada – Vagda – Kharodiya – Semodra – Merwada Chowkdi (approximately 12.9 km).
For those coming from Merwada to Ratanpur, the route is:
2. Merwada Chowkdi to Ratanpur Chowkdi (via Ambaji to Palanpur): Merwada Chowkdi – Semodra – Kharodiya – Vagda – Lalawada – Ratanpur Chowkdi (approximately 12.9 km).
The public must follow this new directive. Any violation of this order can lead to strict penalties under the Gujarat Police Act and the Indian Penal Code of 2023. The announcement was made following recommendations from several officials, including the Executive Engineer of the National Highway Department and the police commissioner for Banaskantha-Palanpur.
This action comes as a precautionary measure due to concerns regarding the safety of the bridge. In the past, many incidents have occurred involving bridge collapses in Gujarat. Recently, a tragic event in Padra raised alarms about the state of old bridges. Local residents in Merwada are now worried about the condition of their bridge, which is also quite old and in poor repair. Many vehicles pass over this bridge every day, linking important routes.
There have been several calls for the construction of a new bridge to replace the aging structure. Previously, the government announced plans to build a new bridge at a cost of over 40 crores. However, work on this project has yet to begin, leaving residents anxious about their safety. The bridge’s walls show signs of damage, and there are potholes that cause vehicles to jolt as they pass.
Local drivers have expressed their concerns. One driver, Sureshbhai Chauhan, noted that the bridge is too narrow for two large vehicles to pass safely. The fear of accidents has grown, especially after recent incidents in other areas of Gujarat. Residents are now demanding action from the authorities before a tragedy occurs on their bridge.
The District Magistrate’s announcement is a step towards improving safety. However, it is clear that more needs to be done. The community is looking for urgent action to ensure their safety on the roads. The call for a new bridge is growing stronger as local people seek reassurances from the government. They want to avoid repeating past mistakes that have previously led to loss of life and serious accidents.
In summary, the ban on heavy vehicles from crossing the Ratanpur to Merwada bridge is an important measure taken for safety. Residents hope that this will lead to quicker action on building a new bridge. They are waiting for the day when they can travel safely on their roads without fear of accidents. Local authorities must listen to these concerns and act swiftly to prevent any future tragedies.