Bharuch: In a move to curb the rising number of accidents, the Bharuch District Magistrate Gaurang Makwana has issued a ban on the movement of heavy vehicles on the Narmada Maiya Bridge for a period of three months, effective from May 5th to August 4th, 2025. The decision comes in response to growing concerns from local residents regarding traffic congestion and a spate of minor accidents occurring on the crucial connecting bridge.

The Narmada Maiya Bridge, inaugurated on June 12, 2021, was intended to alleviate traffic on the adjacent Golden Bridge and has successfully reduced overall traffic load in the Bharuch-Ankleshwar area. However, the continuous plying of large private vehicles such as buses and heavy trucks over the bridge has reportedly led to an alarming increase in minor accidents, occurring on average every six hours, according to local accounts.

Commuters and residents have voiced their concerns through videos and photographs, highlighting the traffic snarls caused by these heavy vehicles, particularly between ABC Circle and Narmada Maiya Bridge leading towards Ankleshwar. This stretch is also characterized by the presence of hotels, complexes, malls, colleges, and bus stations, further increasing the risk of casualties due to the movement of large vehicles.

Considering these factors and the urgent need to prevent further accidents, District Magistrate Makwana invoked Section 33(1)(b) of the Gujarat Police Act 1951 to impose the ban. The order prohibits the movement of all types of heavy vehicles, including private buses, heavy trucks, tempos, and tankers, with the exception of small loading vehicles involved in vegetable and milk distribution.

Emergency service vehicles such as ambulances and fire brigade vehicles, as well as state transport (ST) buses, have been exempted from the ban to ensure essential services are not disrupted.

The notification clearly states that any individual found violating this order will face legal repercussions under Section 131 of the Gujarat Police Act and Section 223 of the Indian Judiciary Act 2023. District Magistrate Bharuch has authorized police personnel not below the rank of Head Constable to file complaints against violators.

This three-month ban is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion on the Narmada Maiya Bridge and provide a safer commuting experience for the general public traveling between Bharuch and Ankleshwar. Authorities will likely monitor the impact of this ban to determine future course of action regarding heavy vehicle movement on the bridge. DeshGujarat