Surat Metro Bridge Develops Two Cracks: Phase-2 Opening Delayed, Road Closed
Span of Metro Bridge on Surat’s Saroli-Kadodara Road Splits
The span of the metro bridge on the Saroli-Kadodara road in Surat has split into two parts. Currently, work is underway for the metro train, raising concerns about a major incident occurring during this time. The bridge appears to be a ‘swinging bridge’. The road from Saroli to Kadodara has been closed, causing a traffic jam extending two to three kilometers. The authorities are now scrambling to address the situation. The span will be removed at night.
Major Defect Before 2027 Opening
The Surat Metro is scheduled to open in 2027, but a major defect has surfaced in the bridge before its inauguration. An 18-kilometer elevated bridge was being constructed for the Bhesan to Saroli metro project. Notably, the metro work began in December 2021.
Contract with Dilip Buildcon
In 2022, Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation Limited issued a work order (LOA) worth ₹702 crore to Dilip Buildcon Limited for the construction of the elevated road under the CS-6 package, covering 8.02 kilometers from Majura to Saroli for the Surat Metro Line-2 corridor.
Span to be Removed at Night: Fire Officer
Fire Officer Bhupendrasingh Raje stated that a call was received from Divisional Officer Modh regarding a message that the span of the ongoing metro project near Bharat Cancer Hospital had broken. Consequently, firefighters and staff were dispatched. After speaking with the project manager, they were informed that the span would be removed at night and that the road would be closed. The span is not at risk of falling, and it will be removed overnight.
Span Bars of Metro Bridge Visible
The span of the metro bridge that has tilted is now clearly visible, with officials arriving at the site. The Surat Metro project, a highly ambitious project for the city, has faced numerous questions for some time now. Significant technical negligence has surfaced during the metro construction. The span of the metro has tilted to one side, causing fears that it might collapse at any moment. The bars of the span are also clearly visible.
Road Closed for Traffic
Inspector S.R. Vekariya of Saroli Police Station stated that they were informed about the incident by metro officials. The police, along with all staff, arrived at Saroli Road. The entire route from Surat to Kadodara has been diverted through Puna. There are ongoing discussions about a possible technical fault in the span during the metro construction. We have diverted the entire route and are taking precautions to ensure that no vehicle drivers face any difficulties.
Investigation Underway: Metro Executive Director
Prashant Kulkarni, the Executive Director of the Metro Project, mentioned in a telephonic conversation with Divya Bhaskar that they are investigating how the incident occurred. The team is currently working on it, and the cause will be known only after a preliminary investigation. The situation cannot be deemed more dangerous at the moment. As a precaution, traffic has been diverted. The load on the bridge is currently being reduced.
Hydraulic Cable Fault to be Investigated
According to metro project officials, the elevated viaduct segments of the metro will be taken down, and the load on the launcher will be removed. The metro department will then conduct an investigation. They will examine whether there was a fault in the hydraulic cable that connects all the segments. They will also investigate if the segments have realigned or been displaced and whether the crack has surfaced due to hydraulic pressure.
Corruption Under BJP Rule Continues to Rise: AAP
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) corporator Sejal Malviya, who rushed to the scene, told Divya Bhaskar that questions have always arisen regarding the functioning of the metro. Major critical flaws have surfaced in this metro project, which was prepared at a cost of crores of rupees. The entire span of the metro has tilted, and it appears it could collapse at any moment. Corruption like this continues to rise under BJP rule, leading to such incidents.
This is BJP’s Corruption Scandal: Congress
Local Congress leader Aslam Saykalwala stated that this is a scandal of BJP’s corruption. Contractors operate as if they own the BJP and move the administration to suit their whims. This isn’t the first negligence of the Metro Rail Corporation; previously, a crane fell near Udhna Gate. Due to such accidents, 4 to 5 people have died so far.
Alternative Routes
DCP Bhakti Dabhi advised the public to choose the Saroli route if entering Surat from Kadodara and to use the canal road route instead of the Saroli road if traveling from Surat city to Kadodara. She urged people to proceed calmly without panic, and the police will be present to manage the situation.
Metro Route
The metro will run from Sarthana to Kapodra Labheshwar Chowk, via Lambe Hanuman Road, Surat Railway Station, Highway, Majuragate, Althan Village, and Dream City. In the second phase, an 18.84 km corridor connecting Bhestan to Saroli will be developed. This route includes several textile markets beyond Udhna Gate, such as Kamela Darwaja, Ajna Farm, Model Town, and Magob Extension. Corridor Number 2, or the Bhestan to Saroli route, will be known as the Textile Corridor.
