Gambhira Bridge Collapse: 4 Engineers Suspended, CM Orders Statewide Bridge Inspections
Gujarat Bridge Tragedy: 4 Engineers Suspended After Gambhira Bridge Collapse, CM Orders Statewide Bridge Inspections
Vadodara, Gujarat | July 10, 2025 — In the wake of the tragic collapse of the Gambhira Bridge connecting Vadodara and Anand, the Gujarat government has suspended four key engineers from the Roads and Buildings Department after preliminary investigation revealed lapses in maintenance and inspection protocols.
The suspended officials include:
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1 Executive Engineer (N. Naikawala)
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2 Deputy Executive Engineers
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1 Assistant Engineer
These officers were directly responsible for the repair, inspection, and quality checks of the bridge. In a statement made earlier, Executive Engineer N. Naikawala had claimed that the bridge, with a projected lifespan of 100 years, was not in a condition that warranted restriction of heavy vehicle movement. However, this statement now faces scrutiny after the collapse, which has already claimed 17 lives.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has instructed a high-level technical team to prepare a comprehensive report on the repair history, inspection lapses, and structural integrity of the collapsed Gambhira Bridge. In addition, CM Patel has issued urgent directions to inspect all other bridges across Gujarat for safety and structural health, especially ahead of the monsoon season.
Gujarat currently has over 461 functional bridges, and Deputy Engineers were previously tasked with conducting pre- and post-monsoon inspections, submitting detailed reports to Executive Engineers. This protocol was established after the Morbhi bridge collapse, but the latest incident raises serious concerns about its implementation.
The state’s action comes amid growing public outrage and questions over the accountability of officials responsible for infrastructure safety. A final investigation report is expected soon, which may lead to further legal and administrative actions.
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