In a heart-wrenching incident early this morning, a 15‑metre section of the 40‑year‑old Gambhira Bridge—connecting Padra (Vadodara district) to Anand—collapsed over the Mahisagar River around 7:30 AM. The collapse occurred during peak traffic hours, causing four to six vehicles, including two trucks, two vans, an SUV, and a pickup, to fall into the river. As of now, nine people are confirmed dead, and six others injured. Rescue operations by fire brigades, NDRF teams, police, and local volunteers continue in search of any more missing persons.
Warnings Were Ignored
The Gambhira Bridge, built in 1985, had long been flagged by local residents as structurally unsafe. Complaints were made about visible cracks, vibration under heavy traffic, and general deterioration. In August 2022, a local panchayat member submitted a formal warning urging the bridge’s closure—but no action was taken.
This is not the first time Gujarat has witnessed a catastrophic bridge collapse. The 2022 Morbi Bridge Collapse, which killed over 140 people, showed how corruption and poor planning can lead to tragedy.
Why the Bridge Was Important
The bridge connected Padra in Vadodara to Anand, and was part of a major corridor for commercial and passenger transport linking cities like Vadodara, Bharuch, Ankleshwar, and Saurashtra.
Its collapse has disrupted key routes, and travelers are now being diverted to the Ahmedabad-Vadodara Expressway and alternate rural roads.
Political Fallout & Government Response
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ₹2 lakh compensation for each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
- Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel ordered an urgent investigation involving state engineers and independent experts.
- The Congress party has criticized the BJP-led Gujarat government, calling this a “preventable disaster” and an example of failed governance.
What Caused the Collapse?
Experts believe the collapse may be linked to a mix of:
- Aging infrastructure
- Monsoon-related stress
- Negligence in periodic maintenance
- Ignored structural audits
While the Gujarat Roads and Buildings Department claims the bridge underwent regular maintenance, local accounts suggest otherwise.
A New Bridge Was Already Planned
Interestingly, a ₹212 crore project for a new bridge had been sanctioned earlier in 2025, but no construction had begun. Locals now ask why the old structure was kept operational despite known risks.
