Rajkot: An inquiry into the collapse of the Harihar Chowk based culvert slab over an open storm water discharge channel in Rajkot revealed that rats had created holes in this ageing structure. This allowed water to accumulate within the structure during the monsoon, leading to the single-slab bridge collapsing yesterday.

City engineers explained that a delayed inspection worsened the slab’s condition. Water pooling in the holes made by rats weakened the bridge over time, causing its sudden collapse. Following the survey, plans were made to spend one crore rupees on building a new culvert at Harihar Chowk to replace the collapsed bridge.

City engineers from different zones had conducted surveys of various bridges. In the central zone, surveys for seven bridges and culverts were conducted but repair works were delayed due to elections. According to city engineer Atul Raval, work is expected to resume soon.

Engineer P.D. Adhiya said that repair work for a weak bridge on Dudhsagar Road in the East Zone will be started soon. Engineer Kuntesh Mehta mentioned that two old bridges in the new areas of the West Zone need attention, and survey reports were prepared.

Rajkot city has 58 culverts, many of which face issues like public encroachment or demolition by the municipality. This has led to inadequate drainage, causing frequent waterlogging and increasing risks to bridge safety. DeshGujarat