What Happened?
On July 9, 2025, the Gambhira Bridge over the Mahisagar River in Vadodara collapsed at 7:30 AM IST. Vehicles plunged 30-35 feet into the river, killing 9 people and leaving several missing. Eyewitnesses described “vehicles falling one after another,” triggering frantic rescue operations by NDRF, SDRF, and local authorities.
Rescue Efforts and Casualties
Rescue teams, including divers and local villagers, recovered bodies and searched for survivors trapped under submerged trucks and vans. The death toll stands at 9, with fears of more casualties as operations continue. Compensation of ₹2 lakh for families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for injured victims was announced by the Gujarat government.
Bridge History and Neglected Warnings
Built in 1985, the 40-year-old bridge connected Vadodara and Anand districts. Despite repairs in 2022 and 2024, locals repeatedly warned about its structural weakness. Villagers flagged cracks and instability, but overloaded trucks were permitted, ignoring safety protocols.
Eyewitness Account:
“Fishermen heard a loud crash and saw vehicles tumbling into the river moments after the bridge crumbled.”
(Source: NDTV)
Infrastructure Failures: A National Crisis?
This incident mirrors the 2022 Morbi bridge collapse (135 deaths) and recent Bihar bridge failures. Opposition leaders slammed the Gujarat government, calling it a “man-made disaster fueled by corruption, not an act of God.”
Key Issues Highlighted:
- Poor maintenance despite ₹212 crore sanctioned for a new bridge.
- Lack of safety audits for aging infrastructure.
- Unregulated heavy-vehicle movement on weak structures.
(Source: Hindustan Times)
Government Response and Accountability
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel ordered a technical inquiry, while PM Modi tweeted condolences. Critics demand accountability for ignored warnings and corruption in repair contracts.
Conclusion: Urgent Need for Reform
The Gambhira tragedy underscores India’s infrastructure safety crisis. Regular bridge audits, strict load enforcement, and transparent maintenance are non-negotiable. Until then, lives remain at risk.
Also Read: Gujarat Bridge Collapse Updates
