Ahmedabad, July 9, 2025 – A catastrophic collapse of the Gambhira Bridge over the Mahisagar River in Gujarat’s Vadodara district has claimed at least nine lives and left six others critically injured, plunging the region into mourning and sparking urgent calls for infrastructure reform. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at approximately 7:30 AM, saw a section of the 40-year-old bridge give way without warning, sending multiple vehicles—including two trucks, a Bolero SUV, a pickup van, and an auto-rickshaw—plummeting into the raging waters below. The tragedy has disrupted connectivity between Vadodara and Anand districts, highlighting systemic issues in India’s infrastructure maintenance and safety protocols.
The Incident: A Sudden Collapse
The Gambhira Bridge, a 900-meter-long structure with 23 piers, was a vital artery connecting Central Gujarat to Saurashtra, facilitating the movement of freight, agricultural produce, medical services, and daily commuters between Vadodara, Anand, Bharuch, and Ankleshwar. Constructed in 1985, the bridge had long been a critical link in Gujarat’s transport ecosystem, saving commuters 30–45 minutes of travel time and enabling farmers from Padra and Mujpur to access urban markets efficiently. However, its dilapidated condition had been a growing concern among locals, who described it as a “traffic hazard” and even a “suicide point” due to its neglect by authorities.
The collapse occurred during peak morning traffic hours, catching drivers and passengers off guard. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud noise before the bridge’s slab between two piers gave way, causing vehicles to plunge into the Mahisagar River. Drone footage and videos from the scene captured the extent of the devastation: a large tanker truck was seen dangling precariously from the broken edge of the bridge, while other vehicles lay partially submerged in the river’s strong currents. A particularly heart-wrenching moment was recorded when a woman, trapped in the water, was heard crying for help for her son, who was seemingly trapped in an overturned Eeco van. The visuals underscored the chaos and desperation that unfolded in the immediate aftermath.
Local administration, including the Vadodara district police, fire brigade, and disaster response teams, swiftly mobilized to the site in Padra taluka near Mujpur village. Rescue operations faced challenges due to the river’s strong currents, but six individuals were successfully rescued and rushed to nearby hospitals. Nine bodies were recovered, with fears that the death toll could rise as search efforts continued throughout the day. Cranes were deployed to retrieve submerged vehicles, and the area was cordoned off to prevent further accidents.
Official Response and Investigations
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed profound grief over the loss of lives and promptly ordered a high-level investigation into the incident. In a statement on social media, he described the collapse as a “tragedy” and prayed for the souls of the deceased. Patel announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased victim and Rs 50,000 for those injured. He also directed a team of technical experts, including the Chief Engineer – Design, Chief Engineer – South Gujarat, and two private engineers specializing in bridge construction, to investigate the cause of the collapse and submit a preliminary report on its technical aspects.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the loss of lives, calling the incident “deeply saddening.” He announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. During a telephonic conversation with Chief Minister Patel, Modi sought detailed updates on the rescue and relief efforts, emphasizing the need for comprehensive medical care for the injured.
Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi visited the site and confirmed the recovery of nine bodies and the rescue of six individuals. He assured the public that the state government was taking the incident “very seriously” and that a high-level committee had been dispatched to investigate. Health Minister Rushikesh Patel noted that while the bridge had undergone periodic maintenance, the exact cause of the collapse remained under investigation. “The bridge was constructed in 1985, and its maintenance was carried out as and when required,” Patel told mediapersons, adding that a thorough probe would determine the precise reasons behind the failure.
A History of Neglect and Systemic Issues
The collapse of the Gambhira Bridge has reignited concerns about India’s aging infrastructure and the recurring problem of bridge failures. A 2020 study published in the journal Structure and Infrastructure Engineering revealed that over 2,130 bridges collapsed in India between 1977 and 2017, with 80.3% attributed to natural disasters, 10.1% to material deterioration, and 3.28% to overloading. The Gambhira Bridge, at 40 years old, appears to have succumbed to similar issues, with locals alleging long-term neglect by the administration.
Residents of the area had repeatedly flagged the bridge’s deteriorating condition, citing its narrow design and lack of regular upkeep as significant safety risks. “The Gambhira Bridge has become notorious not just as a traffic hazard but also as a suicide point,” one local told NDTV,
Last Updated on: Wednesday, July 9, 2025 2:53 pm by Ventrapati Mahitha | Published by: Ventrapati Mahitha on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 2:53 pm | News Categories: India
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