- Labourers buried as new bridge under construction collapses in Valsad; safety lapses feared
- Subhash Bridge cracks spark city closure as earlier Gambhira & Morbi collapses haunt memory
- Opposition lashes out, engineers, experts demand stringent audits and accountability
- High Court remains involved in Morbi legal proceedings; victims’ families seek closure
- Experts call for tech-based inspections and stricter procurement norms to prevent future tragedies
NE NEWS SERVICE
AHMEDABAD, DEC 12
Gujarat’s long-running bridge safety crisis took another alarming turn on Friday when an under-construction bridge over the Aurang river in Valsad collapsed, trapping and injuring multiple labourers engaged at the site. Immediate rescue teams rushed the injured to hospital, and preliminary reports suggest heavy slabs and reinforcement bars fell on workers during the mishap, triggering fresh questions about construction quality and site supervision.
Latest Tragedy: Valsad Under-Construction Bridge Collapse
Early reports from Valsad indicate that part of the bridge being built over the Aurang river suddenly collapsed on Friday morning, burying at least four to five workers under rubble. Emergency responders shifted the injured promptly to nearby hospitals, and local authorities are conducting an initial inquiry into site safety practices and adherence to protocols at the project.
The incident — coming amid growing public scrutiny over bridge safety — has reignited fears about construction oversight, contractor accountability and routine monitoring at active infrastructure sites.
Subhash Bridge Shock: City Connector Closed Amid Cracks
In Ahmedabad, the Subhash Bridge was abruptly closed after significant structural cracks appeared, despite recent municipal inspections rating it as “good.” A July structural audit of 69 bridges and underpasses in the city showed no structure met the top “excellent” category and highlighted gaps in standard operating procedures for timely repairs, deep testing and follow-up action. (The Times of India)
The closure — expected to last several months — has led to heavy traffic diversions and disruptions for thousands of commuters. Police and traffic teams have set up alternative routes and warned residents of prolonged congestion.
History of Collapses: Gambhira & Morbi Cast Long Shadows
Gujarat’s infrastructure woes are not new.
- In July 2025, a portion of the Gambhira Bridge in Vadodara district collapsed, sending vehicles into the Mahisagar river and killing at least 20 people, with many others injured. The state government later sanctioned a ₹212 crore new parallel bridge project as part of reconstruction efforts.
- The 2022 Morbi suspension bridge disaster remains the deadliest — over 140 lives were lost when the cable bridge plunged into the Machchhu River shortly after reopening without full safety certification. (Wikipedia)
These events have repeatedly exposed systemic issues in inspection regimes, maintenance practices and construction oversight, drawing both public anger and political debate.
Political, Public & Expert Reactions: Accountability Demands Grow
Opposition parties and civil society groups have sharply criticised the government’s infrastructure management. Leaders have accused authorities of lax enforcement of safety norms, inadequate inspections and poor contractor vetting.
Infrastructure experts have also weighed in, urging a shift from routine visual checks to technology-driven monitoring, including non-destructive testing, sensor networks, automated alerts and stricter supervision of under-construction sites. Many analysts argue that procurement and tender processes must prioritise quality assurance and independent audits rather than lowest bid alone.
Public sentiment, widely expressed on social media, reflects sharp frustration with repeated failures and concerns over lives and money lost due to structural lapses.
Judicial Oversight: High Court Continues to Shape Accountability
Legal institutions continue to play a role in seeking justice and enforcing standards:
- In the aftermath of the Morbi tragedy, the Gujarat High Court ordered interim compensation for victims’ families and has taken suo motu cognisance of the collapse, demanding status reports from government agencies.
- The HC also engaged with petitions related to criminal proceedings against contractors and officials, ensuring ongoing judicial scrutiny of accountability mechanisms.
Legal experts see these interventions as crucial in compelling stronger safety practices and protecting citizen rights amidst repeated infrastructure failures.
