Gujarat Bridge Collapse: 9 Dead as Gambhira Bridge Falls in Vadodara

Gujarat Bridge Collapse: On the morning of July 9, 2025, tragedy struck Gujarat when a portion of the Gambhira Bridge in Padra, Vadodara district, collapsed, causing at least nine deaths and multiple injuries. The incident occurred during peak rush hour, as five vehicles—including two trucks, an SUV, a pickup van, and an auto-rickshaw—plunged into the Mahisagar River following the collapse.

The collapse has once again raised alarm bells over the safety and maintenance of aging infrastructure in the state. This comes barely two years after the catastrophic Morbi bridge collapse in October 2022, which resulted in over 135 deaths.

Gujarat Bridge Collapse: What Happened?

During the early morning rush hour, a section of the Gambhira Bridge, which serves as a vital link between Anand and Vadodara districts, suddenly gave way. Five vehicles – including heavy trucks and a private SUV – fell into the Mahisagar River below. Dramatic visuals of a tanker dangling from the fractured bridge quickly went viral on social media, shocking the nation.

According to Vadodara (Rural) Superintendent of Police Rohan Anand, nine bodies were recovered, while multiple others were rescued and rushed to nearby hospitals. The death toll may rise as search operations continue.

Casualties and Rescue Operations

According to Vadodara (Rural) SP Rohan Anand, nine bodies have been recovered so far. Around 9–10 people were rescued alive, many of whom were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent treatment.

The rescue operation involved:

• Vadodara district administration
• Local fire brigade teams
• Police personnel
• National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
• Local residents and divers

Heavy cranes were deployed to lift submerged vehicles, while boats and divers scoured the river for survivors or more victims.

Cause of Collapse: Preliminary Reports Indicate Poor Maintenance

Early speculation from officials suggests that the collapse may have resulted from:

• Structural weakness

• Lack of timely repairs

• Prolonged neglect in maintenance

Given that the bridge was nearly 40 years old, concerns over its structural integrity had reportedly been raised in the past, but no major restoration work was undertaken.

Infrastructure Concerns After the 2022 Morbi Bridge Tragedy

This incident has once again brought the spotlight back to Gujarat’s infrastructure safety, particularly bridge safety audits. Notably, this tragedy comes just three years after the 2022 Morbi bridge collapse, which led to the death of 135 people and sparked national outrage over civic negligence and private contractor accountability.

Public pressure is now mounting on the state government to ensure regular audits, transparent contracts, and infrastructure renewal across critical transport links in Gujarat.

Importance of the Gambhira Bridge

The Gambhira Bridge served as a vital link between the Anand and Vadodara districts, connecting rural and urban commercial routes. Its collapse has disrupted not only traffic but also economic activity, particularly for local transporters and traders who depend on this route for daily operations.

Government Measures and Future Steps

Following the incident, the Gujarat government has promised:

• Comprehensive audits of all old bridges statewide.

• Improved maintenance protocols with real-time monitoring technologies.

• Stricter enforcement of safety standards for public infrastructure.

• Rapid response systems for emergencies involving infrastructure failure.

• Compensation and relief for affected families.

Impact on Local Communities and Transportation

The collapse has disrupted transportation between the Anand and Vadodara districts, affecting daily commuters and goods movement. The bridge was a vital artery for local trade and connectivity.

Emergency services and local administrations have arranged alternative routes and ensured medical care for the injured. However, the incident has deeply impacted the local populace’s sense of security and trust in public infrastructure.

Conclusion

The Gujarat bridge collapse has once again highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure assessment and preventive maintenance across India’s aging transport network. With lives lost and families devastated, the focus must now be on accountability, transparent governance, and proactive public safety mechanisms.

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