Vadodara, Gujarat – July 9, 2025 – Tragedy struck Gujarat this morning as a section of the decades-old Gambhira bridge, spanning the Mahisagar River, dramatically collapsed, sending vehicles plummeting into the waters below. Early reports confirm at least nine fatalities and multiple injuries, sparking a massive rescue operation and raising urgent questions about the structural integrity of aging infrastructure across the state.
Table of Contents
Gujarat Bridge Collapse – Chaos and Carnage on the Mahisagar
The devastating incident occurred around 7:30 AM IST, as the four-decade-old bridge, connecting crucial areas between Vadodara and Anand districts, suddenly gave way. Eyewitnesses describe a terrifying scene as two trucks, two vans, and at least one auto-rickshaw and two motorcycles were caught in the collapse, falling into the Mahisagar.
“It was a horrific sight,” recounted a local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, “One moment, vehicles were moving, the next, a huge section just vanished. We rushed to help, but the current was strong, and the sight of people struggling was heartbreaking.”
Initial reports from Gujarat’s Health Minister, Rushikesh Patel, confirmed three fatalities and five rescues, but later updates from officials, including Vadodara District Collector Anil Dhameliya, indicated the death toll had tragically risen to nine. Rescue teams from the Vadodara fire department, local police, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), including deep water divers, immediately mobilised, battling strong currents to search for survivors and recover bodies. The operation is still actively underway, with fears that more individuals might be trapped.
A Bridge of Concern: Decades Old, Recently Repaired?
Constructed in 1985, the 900-meter-long Gambhira bridge, with its 23 piers, served as a vital link, not just between Anand and Vadodara, but also connecting Central Gujarat to the Saurashtra region. While Gujarat Minister Rushikesh Patel stated that the bridge underwent “periodic maintenance as and when required,” alarming reports from local sources and social media suggest that the bridge’s dilapidated condition was a long-standing concern, with some even claiming recent repairs.
Vadodara District Collector Anil Dhameliya revealed that the 43-year-old bridge had, in fact, been repaired just last year. This revelation casts a dark shadow, prompting immediate calls for a thorough and transparent investigation into the quality and efficacy of these maintenance works. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has already directed technical experts to the site to conduct a comprehensive probe into the exact cause of the collapse.
Gujarat Bridge Collapse – Beyond the Rubble: The Lingering Question of Safety
This tragic collapse, just two and a half years after the devastating Morbi bridge disaster that claimed 141 lives in October 2022, reignites critical concerns about infrastructure safety standards and maintenance protocols across Gujarat and indeed, the nation. While the Morbi incident involved a pedestrian suspension bridge, today’s collapse of a vital road bridge underscores the broader challenge of ensuring the longevity and safety of essential transport networks.
Congress MLA Amit Chavda, among others, was quick to voice concerns, highlighting previous complaints about the Gambhira bridge’s condition and demanding immediate government action and accountability. The incident has not only disrupted connectivity, forcing a lengthy 40-kilometre detour for commuters, but has also sent shockwaves through the region, fueling public anxiety about the safety of other aging bridges.
The coming days will undoubtedly see intense scrutiny on bridge safety audits, the allocation of maintenance funds, and the accountability of officials responsible for infrastructure upkeep. As rescue efforts continue, the people of Gujarat demand answers and assurances that such a catastrophe will not be repeated.
Keep following Duniya Daily for more such important news and insights!
