Surat: After being shut for 145 days, the crucial weir-cum-causeway on the Tapi River has been reopened for traffic from today, bringing much relief to lakhs of motorists in the city.

The causeway, a key connector between areas such as Katargam and Rander, had been closed during the monsoon after heavy water release from the Ukai Dam caused the river level to rise and submerge the bridge surface. As a precaution, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) had shut down traffic movement to avoid accidents.

With the monsoon over and the unseasonal rainfall that followed now also a thing of the past, water discharge from the Ukai Dam has halted and the Tapi’s water levels are receding. Authorities have therefore decided to reopen the causeway for public use.

The causeway was first shut on June 23 and subsequently remained closed throughout July, August, September, October and 20 days of November. During this period, the causeway was briefly opened for six days in August before being shut again. Due to the prolonged closure, daily commuters were forced to rely on an alternative longer route, resulting in nearly five kilometres of additional travel per trip, causing both time loss and extra fuel consumption.

Motorists have welcomed the reopening, calling it a major relief. The resumption of traffic is expected to significantly ease congestion in the area, save travel time and reduce fuel costs. DeshGujarat