If you are planning to travel from Gujarat to Mumbai by road, prepare for major delays. The Kholvad Bridge on National Highway 48 near Kamrej in Surat has been closed for repairs. This closure will last for a month. The Surat Collector announced this decision due to urgent repair needs. Motorists should expect travel times to increase by several hours.
The Kholvad Bridge spans the Tapi River and has been in bad shape for over two years. Despite its condition, authorities had not started significant repairs until now. A temporary fix, a seven-foot iron plate, was used to keep the bridge operational. Many vehicles, including buses, cross this bridge daily.
One regular traveler from Ankleshwar to Surat described the anxiety of crossing the bridge. They said, “There’s a section where all buses pass. We used to pray before crossing that iron plate and felt relief once we made it.”
As a response to this closure, a new route has been opened. A 46-kilometre stretch of expressway between Kim and Ena village via Palsana opened on Thursday. This will provide an alternative route for motorists. Those traveling from Bharuch to Mumbai are advised to use this expressway. For traffic coming from Surat city, the expressway is accessible at both Kim and Ena village.
The urgent closure of the Kholvad Bridge follows the tragic collapse of the Gambhira Bridge over the Mahi River near Padra in Vadodara. This incident resulted in 18 deaths and left two people missing. It triggered safety checks across Gujarat, leading to the swift action on the Kholvad Bridge.
Authorities have been prompted to act quickly to avoid further tragedies. They are urging travelers to plan their routes carefully and to stay updated on traffic advisories. It is essential to be prepared for longer travel times and potentially congested roads.
The Kholvad Bridge has been a concern for some time. Local residents have expressed worries about its safety. Despite this, repair work had not been prioritized until recent events forced the issue. The temporary solutions in place have not been sufficient to ensure commuter safety.
Motorists are encouraged to use the new expressway route, which is expected to ease some of the congestion caused by the bridge closure. However, it is important to note that two-wheelers are not allowed on the expressway. This restriction is in place to maintain safety and manage traffic flow.
The older bridge connecting Kholvad and Kathor is now limited to two-wheelers only. Heavy vehicles are not permitted due to safety concerns. Authorities are working to ensure that clear signage informs drivers of the changes and where to divert.
As the repairs on the Kholvad Bridge will take at least 28 days, travelers should remain vigilant and plan their journeys accordingly. Expect longer routes and potential delays. Keeping an eye on traffic updates will be crucial during this period. The ongoing repairs highlight the need for infrastructure improvements across the region.
Gujarat’s infrastructure must be maintained to ensure safety for all travelers. The recent incidents have raised awareness about the condition of bridges in the state. Authorities are now under pressure to ensure that such tragedies do not occur in the future. With the opening of the expressway, there is hope for safer travel routes for commuters between Gujarat and Mumbai.
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