Gandhinagar: In the aftermath of the Gambhira bridge collapse incident, the Gujarat government has launched large-scale repair work on roads and bridges damaged by recent heavy rains. As part of precautionary measures, a technical inspection has also been carried out on over 2,100 bridges spanning the extensive Narmada Canal network across the state.

According to a report by the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNNL), the Narmada Canal network in Gujarat stretches around 69,000 km, irrigating an area of about 17.92 lakh hectares. This network includes approximately 2,110 operational bridges connecting national highways, state highways, and village roads. To assess the current condition of these bridges and extend their operational life, SSNNL recently undertook a comprehensive visual inspection campaign.

Following the findings of this inspection, five bridges deemed unsafe have been completely closed to traffic. Four bridges have been restricted for use by heavy vehicles based on load capacity assessments. Additionally, thirty-six more bridges have been identified as needing repairs and have been closed temporarily for maintenance. The remaining 2,065 small and large bridges have been cleared for continued use, with instructions issued to local field offices to regularly monitor their safety.

Bridges completely closed:

1. 1. Bridge connecting Ajitgarh and Ghantila villages on Malia Branch Canal, Morbi district.

2. 2.0Bridge between National Highway 151A and Machhu river on Malia Branch Canal, Morbi district.

3. 3. Bridge near Dhanki-Chharad village in Lakhtar taluka on Saurashtra Branch Canal, Surendranagar district.

4. 4. Bridge near Lakhtar-Vana village on Saurashtra Branch Canal, Surendranagar district.

5. 5. Bridge near Bala-Bala Farm in Wadhwan taluka on Saurashtra Branch Canal, Surendranagar district.

Bridges restricted for heavy vehicles:

1. 1. Bridge on the state highway connecting Phaedra-Bagodara and Bhavnagar over Vallabhipur Branch Canal, Ahmedabad district.

2. 2. Bridge on the state highway linking Naroda (Ahmedabad) and Dahegam (Gandhinagar).

3. 3. Bridge on the road between Raipur and Medara, Ahmedabad district.

4. 4. Bridge between Phutula and Suigam on Kutch Branch Canal, Santalpur taluka, Patan district.