133 bridges closed across Gujarat for traffic movement

Gandhinagar: In a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar today, key infrastructure projects of the Roads and Buildings Department were reviewed. Spokesperson Minister Rushikesh Patel announced that over 1,800 bridges across the state have been inspected in the past week by engineers, consultants, and officials. As a precautionary measure, 133 of these bridges have been closed — 20 completely for all vehicles and 113 partially for heavy vehicles.

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) has been carried out on these structures, and repair or reconstruction work is underway on a priority basis. Meanwhile, of the total 1.19 lakh km road network under the department, 56.27% of patchwork and over 70% of pothole repairs have been completed on rain-damaged stretches. Additionally, the number of users on the ‘Gujmarg’ mobile application has surged by 226% in just four days, from 10,767 to 35,118.

He also stated that a tender worth ₹212 crore has been issued for the construction of a new additional bridge at Gambhira. Unlike the usual 18-month deadline for such projects, the Chief Minister has directed that the bridge be completed within 12 months, ahead of the next monsoon, to provide early relief to the public. Work orders are expected to be issued within three months, following which construction will begin. DeshGujarat