Gujarat Government Promised Oversight to High Court, But Overlooked Bridge Safety — Local Alerts Went Unheard

National News: Yet another bridge accident in Gujarat has not only endangered lives but also raised serious questions about the credibility of the government's previous announcements. The recent mishap occurred on the Gambhira Bridge in Bharuch district, a structure that had long been neglected despite repeated warnings from local authorities and residents.

No Lessons Learned from Morbi?

In 2022, the tragic collapse of the suspension bridge over the Machhu River in Morbi, which claimed 144 lives, prompted the Gujarat government to declare a comprehensive safety plan. It had promised structural audits, routine maintenance, and safety inspections for all bridges in the state. A formal circular was even issued, identifying 1,554 bridges to be brought under regular monitoring.

The government had also assured the Gujarat High Court that the safety of bridges would be treated as a top priority. Unfortunately, those commitments seem to have remained confined to official paperwork and announcements.

Repeated Warnings Ignored

The Gambhira Bridge, which serves as a bypass for vehicles looking to avoid tolls on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad highway, had seen a dramatic increase in the number of heavy vehicles, including trucks, tankers, and trailers. The growing pressure from this traffic reportedly caused noticeable vibrations in the bridge’s pillars.

Local district panchayat member Harshad Singh Parmar had raised the alarm with both the Chief Minister and district officials, warning that the bridge structure was showing signs of strain and potential failure. An investigation by the Road and Building Department also confirmed that the increasing load on the structure was a serious threat.

However, instead of initiating meaningful repairs, only superficial patchwork was done. No substantial safety upgrades or reinforcements were implemented.

21 Bridge Collapses in 9 Years

Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi criticized the state government’s approach, pointing out that 21 bridges have collapsed across Gujarat in the last nine years, yet no significant improvement has been seen in public infrastructure management.

He called for an independent investigation under the supervision of a sitting judge, arguing that a probe by internal government committees would not be sufficient or impartial. Doshi also alleged widespread corruption in the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges, which he believes is the root cause of such repeated disasters.

Government’s Accountability Under Scrutiny

The Gambhira bridge accident clearly indicates a breakdown of administrative responsibility. If the state had genuinely implemented the policy measures announced after the Morbi tragedy, this new accident could likely have been prevented.

The episode has cast serious doubt on the state’s ability to ensure infrastructure safety and, more broadly, on its willingness to act proactively on matters of public concern.

When Bridges Collapse, So Does Public Trust

Bridges are not just physical structures; they represent the confidence of citizens in their government’s commitment to safety and transparency. Each collapse chips away at that fragile trust. What Gujarat needs now is not just another promise but urgent, accountable, and honest action.