Recently, there has been growing concern among the public regarding the safety of the bridges over the Sangam and Vatrak rivers in Kapadvanj. This anxiety arose after a serious incident involving a bridge on the Anand-Vadodara highway near Gambiri. The bridge on the Kapadvanj-Nadiad road, built in 1980, has raised questions about its capacity as it has been 45 years since its construction. This prompted local residents to demand an inspection by the authorities. In response, the local administration initiated an inspection of all bridges in Kapadvanj. The inspection was led by the Deputy Collector and the Prant Officer, A.P. Zala, along with structural engineers from the Roads and Buildings Department.
During the inspection, Engineer S.S. Kishori stated that both bridges are in good condition and there is no cause for concern. Similar inspections were carried out in May 2023, and at that time, all bridges in the taluka were also found to be in satisfactory condition. Currently, roadwork is underway on the Vatrak river bridge, connecting Kapadvanj to Utkanteshwar Mahadev, which includes minor repairs to the structure. Kishori reassured that the capacity of the bridges remains intact.
In May 2025, a pre-monsoon inspection report was prepared by the Roads and Buildings Department. This report covered several bridges, including those in Kapadvanj, Kalaji, Vyas Vasna, Motijar, and Varasi, confirming that their current conditions are satisfactory. However, repairs are ongoing for the Kapadvanj-Modasa Bhutiyabridge. The Vatrak river bridge, located on the Kapadvanj-Atrasumba-Utkanteshwar Mahadev road, is also reported to be in good condition.
The Roads and Buildings Department has ordered inspections of all bridges in Kheda district, which includes 26 bridges under the Panchayat and 18 major bridges under the state. Clear criteria have been established for inspections, particularly for bridges that are over 20 years old. The inspections will assess the structural integrity and safety of each bridge. Officers from all subordinate offices of the Roads and Buildings Department have been instructed to start this work immediately.
Retired civil engineer P.A. Patel from the Roads and Buildings Department emphasized that the lifespan of any bridge is typically between 40 to 50 years. Regular inspections are crucial to ensure safety, especially since road surfaces need renewal every seven years. The department keeps a registry of all culverts, slabs, drains, and bridges, which need to be inspected regularly. Any defects noted during inspections must be addressed promptly to maintain safe transportation.
In summary, the recent inspections of the Sangam and Vatrak river bridges have calmed some of the public’s fears, as officials have confirmed that both structures remain safe for use. However, ongoing monitoring and maintenance are essential to ensure their longevity and safety for all users. The local administration continues to prioritise infrastructure safety, especially in light of past incidents that raised public concern. The community is urged to stay informed about any further updates regarding roadworks and bridge inspections.
Leave a Reply