Tragic collapse

The collapse of a four-decade old bridge linking central Gujarat with the Saurashtra region of the state on Wednesday (July 9), is a sad commentary on the despicable state of civic infrastructure. The collapse has resulted in the death of at least 17 per- sons when a section of the Maujpur-Gambhira Bridge plunged into the Mahisagar river.

The death toll is not final as two more persons are reported to be missing. It was only three years ago that a cable stayed pedestrian bridge over Machchu river in Morvi collapsed under the weight of spectators who had gathered there to view the Diwali-eve fireworks.

If the Opposition Congress charges are to be believed, the state has witnessed collapse of 16 bridges in the last four years. These kind of tragedies are not unique to Gujarat alone. In the neighbouring state, Pune witnessed several people getting killed when a river bridge was swept away in rushing water.

Traffic had to be diverted from a national highway last week following caving in of a large culvert in Madhya Pradesh. Bihar has earned notoriety after several newly constructed bridges collapsed during the last two monsoons. It is now revealed that Gujarat’s Road and Buildings Department authorities had been alerted three years ago following detection of unusual vibrations during passage of vehicle on the Maujpur-Gambhira bridge.

Later official investigations had not reported any signs of dilapidation. Reports also suggest the bridge being the popular choice for heavy vehicles, trucks and containers that wanted to avoid the toll booths on high-ways. Civic infrastructure calls for periodical safety audit.

A four-decade old construction, the bridge needed strict check and certification for the types of vehicles navigating the route. That authorities were indifferent to complaints is a poignant commentary on official apathy which continues due to lack of accountability. Two and half years after the Morvi disaster, nothing has been heard as to where the blame lies and how to fix the accountability.