Subhash Bridge Repair Project Faces Setback as AMC Prepares to Re-Tender
The much-anticipated repair and expansion of Ahmedabad's Subhash Bridge has hit another roadblock, with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) preparing to float a fresh tender for the project. This development comes approximately one month after the civic body announced plans to repair the bridge and construct two-lane flanks along its entire length.
Single Bidder Forces Re-Tendering Process
On Tuesday, AMC officials confirmed they would issue another short tender for the Subhash Bridge restoration project after receiving just one bid in response to their earlier tender. This solitary response has prompted the municipal corporation to restart the tendering process, potentially delaying the much-needed repairs to this crucial transportation artery.
The timeline for this project has seen multiple announcements and revisions. On December 26, AMC announced rapid completion of the restoration process and subsequently floated a short tender on December 29. At that time, officials claimed the contractor finalization would be completed within 15 to 20 days. Once awarded, the actual bridge work was projected to take approximately nine months to complete.
Structural Concerns Led to Bridge Closure
The current situation traces back to December 4, when AMC made the decision to close Subhash Bridge to all traffic after concerning cracks appeared across its width. This closure followed comprehensive inspections conducted by structural engineering experts from several prestigious institutions, including SVNIT, IIT Roorkee, and IIT Mumbai.
These technical assessments revealed significant settlement in the span above Pillar No. 9, raising serious safety concerns that necessitated immediate closure. The bridge has remained inaccessible to vehicles since that date, creating substantial transportation challenges for Ahmedabad residents and commuters.
Traffic Congestion Worsens in Key Areas
The prolonged closure of Subhash Bridge has resulted in increased traffic congestion at several critical junctions throughout the city. Motorists have reported particularly severe bottlenecks at RTO Circle, along the eastern side of the Sabarmati Riverfront road, and at Vadaj Circle. These traffic snarls have added considerable travel time for daily commuters and disrupted the normal flow of vehicular movement in these areas.
Historical Significance and Structural Details
Originally constructed in 1973, Subhash Bridge represents an important piece of Ahmedabad's transportation infrastructure. The structure measures 453.8 meters in length and 12.9 meters in width, serving as a vital connection point across the Sabarmati River for nearly five decades.
The current repair project aims not only to address the structural deficiencies but also to enhance the bridge's capacity through the addition of two-lane flanks along its entire span. This expansion would potentially improve traffic flow and accommodate the city's growing vehicular population once completed.
As AMC prepares to issue the new tender, residents and commuters continue to face the daily inconvenience of detours and traffic delays. The municipal corporation now faces the challenge of attracting multiple competitive bids to ensure the project moves forward efficiently while maintaining quality standards for this essential infrastructure repair.
