Ahmedabad: Following concerns over structural deterioration in the decades-old Subhash Bridge (built in 1973), authorities have initiated an extensive technical inspection that will determine whether the bridge can be reopened to traffic after December 25. Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has engaged expert engineers and consultants to assess cracks and ageing issues that recently came to light.

AMC had earlier announced a five-day closure of Subhash Bridge starting from Thursday evening, December 4, to carry out an urgent detailed structural audit. The bridge remained fully closed during this period while preliminary inspections were conducted by multiple engineering teams.

In the next phase, expert auditors from SVNIT Surat, IIT Mumbai and IIT Roorkee will undertake a comprehensive study of the bridge’s structural health. After all agencies submit their reports, the findings will be compiled into a final assessment.

Based on this consolidated report, the state government will take the final decision on whether the bridge can be reopened and what repair or restoration measures will be required.

During the closure period, AMC has advised motorists to use alternative routes and warned of increased travel time due to diversions across the surrounding areas such as Sabarmati, Ranip, Chandkheda and Wadaj. Additional traffic personnel have been deployed to manage congestion.

Officials said that once the expert committee completes its inspection and submits the final report, the government will announce its decision regarding the future operations of Subhash Bridge. DeshGujarat