A tragic collapse of the Gujarat Gambhira Bridge over the Mahi River near Vadodara claimed at least 13 lives on July 9, 2025, after dozens of vehicles plunged into the river below. Several others are injured and rescue teams continue their search, marking one of the worst infrastructure disasters in Gujarat in recent years.
Repeated Warnings Ignored
Local leaders had repeatedly raised the alarm. As early as 2022, Vadodara panchayat member Harshadsinh Parmar warned the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department about structural instability, including visible cracks and excessive vibrations. A confidential inspection at that time labelled the bridge “unfit for use,” but no public action followed. Similar warnings continued after the high-profile Morbi bridge collapse in 2022, yet officials insisted the bridge remained functional until this tragic failure.
Rescue Operations and Victim Count
When the bridge gave way during peak traffic hours, vehicles including trucks and two-wheelers crashed into the river. Emergency services, NDRF teams, and divers rushed to the scene. So far, at least 13 casualties have been confirmed, and five people are injured. The search for missing individuals continues nearly 12 hours later amid challenging conditions.
Official Response and Ongoing Investigations
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel immediately ordered a high-level inquiry. A technical team from the R&B Department and private experts has been dispatched to assess the failure. Meanwhile, Vadodara district authorities have assigned the chief engineer to lead the probe. A ₹212 crore reconstruction project had been approved but hadn’t yet begun tendering before the collapse. The government also announced compensation for victims families.
Larger Infrastructure Concerns
This incident has reignited worries about Gujarat Gambhira Bridge inspection and maintenance regimes. Despite updated post-Morbi safety norms and twice-yearly bridge audits, enforcement remains weak. Civil society and opposition parties including the Gujarat Congress have called this collapse a “disaster waiting to happen,” condemning the negligence that let structural failure go unchecked.
This collapse highlights a grim reality: warnings without action are meaningless. As rescue teams race against time, Gujarat authorities must now demonstrate accountability and overhaul infrastructure oversight before another tragedy strikes.
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