Pedestal Bridge Pillar Collapses Before Opening: ₹9.50 Crore Project Under Scrutiny
Questions Raised Over Construction Quality as Pedestal Bridge Pillar Collapses in Valsad, Gujarat
In Gujarat, there have been a series of incidents involving newly constructed or under-construction roads and bridges developing cracks and potholes. The latest incident occurred in Umarasadi, Pardi Taluka, Valsad District, where a pillar of a pedestal bridge under construction at a cost of 9.5 crore rupees collapsed due to water in the creek. This raises serious questions about the quality of the construction. Local residents are questioning what would have happened if the bridge had collapsed after its completion and are demanding a thorough investigation into the matter.
Bridge Pillar Collapses Due to Creek Water
Naturally, the creek where the bridge is being constructed is expected to have water. The bridge was supposed to be built considering this factor. Despite this, the foundation of the bridge washed away due to water in the creek, causing two pillars to collapse and halting the approach construction.
Bridge Similar to Ahmedabad’s ‘Atal Bridge’ to be Built in Valsad
In Pardi Taluka, Valsad District, near the GEB substation in Umarasadi, a 126-meter long and 5.5-meter wide pedestal bridge is being constructed under the supervision of Valsad R&B by Sona Builder at a cost of 9.50 crore rupees. The bridge, modeled after the Atal Bridge over the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad, aims to develop tourism along the Umarasadi coastline in Valsad District. The construction involves stopping the river’s flow to build the bridge. During this process, a foundation pillar washed away due to water flow in the river, raising concerns among local residents.
Opposition Accuses Corruption in Bridge Construction
Regarding the collapsed bridge pillar, Bipin Patel, an opposition member of Pardi Municipality, accused the government of corruption. He stated, “Incidents of bridge cracks and pillar collapses are frequent in Gujarat. The collapse of a pillar in the multi-crore bridge being built in Umarasadi is a clear sign of corruption.”
New Bridge Near Surendranagar Develops Cracks
Near Limbdi in Surendranagar, on the newly constructed Rajkot-Ahmedabad Highway overbridge, cracks appeared just eight days after its completion, exposing the steel rods of the bridge. Authorities quickly closed one side of the bridge to repair the cracks, causing anger among commuters due to the issues in the newly built structure.
Signature Bridge in Dwarka Shows Damage in Five Months
Within just five months of its construction, the Signature Bridge (Sudarshan Bridge) in Dwarka began to show signs of damage. Built at an approximate cost of 978 crore rupees, steel rods became visible in three places on the bridge. Additionally, plaster was found peeling off the side walls in some areas, and rust appeared on certain sections of the railing. The emergence of these photos led to a significant outcry, prompting actions from the collector to the local MP.
