In Gujarat, several bridges in Netrang Taluka have been declared unsafe for heavy vehicles. This decision follows a tragic incident involving the collapse of the Gambiri Bridge, which resulted in the loss of many lives. The state government has begun investigations into the condition of bridges across the region. The Ghankhunt Bridge on the NH753 road near Netrang has been marked as dangerous. Similarly, the Mowi and Kochbar bridges on NH56 have also been deemed unsafe. The Chaswad and Kambodiya bridges are under scrutiny as well.
On July 15, the district magistrate issued orders to restrict heavy vehicle traffic on these bridges. Despite the official notices, heavy trucks have been seen crossing these unsafe structures. This raises serious safety concerns among local residents, who fear that another disaster could occur if the situation is not addressed promptly.
Local authorities have been alerted about the situation, but enforcement has been lax. Residents have expressed their frustration, noting that the government seems to be waiting for another tragedy to occur before taking action.
The lack of compliance with safety regulations is alarming. On July 17, heavy vehicles were still using the Ghankhunt Bridge and the other unsafe structures. The government needs to ensure that traffic is diverted from these bridges immediately to prevent potential accidents.
In response to the Gambiri Bridge collapse, the Gujarat government is now inspecting a total of 94 bridges across the state. This is part of a broader safety initiative to prevent future incidents. The state has 7,280 bridges, including over 1,500 major ones. Ensuring the safety of these structures is critical for public safety.
In recent weeks, the condition of other bridges around the state has come under review. For instance, the Nandi Utara Bridge in Dang district has been closed to heavy commercial vehicles for one year due to its dilapidated state. This bridge, built in 1965, has been showing signs of severe wear and tear, posing risks to users.
The government has also closed several other bridges and is taking steps to maintain those identified as critical. Local citizens have been urging authorities to repair these bridges, as they play a vital role in transportation.
In Jamnagar, a bridge over the Rangmati River was found to be in a dangerous condition. The municipal corporation has issued a notice to ban heavy vehicles from using this bridge until repairs can be made. The local administration is working to ensure alternative routes for heavy vehicle traffic.
The state is facing increasing pressure to enhance public safety measures after the Gambiri Bridge disaster. Authorities are now closely monitoring bridge conditions and implementing urgent repairs where necessary. The recent events underscore the importance of timely infrastructure maintenance to safeguard lives and prevent accidents.
As the monsoon season continues, the risk of further structural damage to bridges increases. The state government is committed to a proactive approach, conducting regular inspections and maintenance of all bridges. The safety of the public depends on effective management and timely response to infrastructure concerns. Residents hope for swift action to restore safety on their roads and bridges.