Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation Greenlights Major Overbridge Restoration Project
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has officially sanctioned a comprehensive proposal to undertake extensive repairs on four ageing railway overbridges located in the eastern sectors of the city. This significant infrastructure initiative carries an estimated budget of Rs 62.79 crore and is designed to facilitate phased restoration efforts aimed at substantially improving commuter safety and structural integrity.
Committee Approval and Bridge Details
The crucial decision was finalized during a meeting of the AMC's road and building committee held on Monday. The four bridges identified for immediate restoration work include:
- Girdharnagar Railway Overbridge (Babu Jagjivanram ROB): This structure has been serving the city for approximately 40 years and requires urgent attention.
- Chamunda Railway Overbridge (Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar ROB): At 35 years old, this bridge has shown signs of significant wear and deterioration.
- Cadila Railway Overbridge: This 29-year-old infrastructure element has reached a critical maintenance stage.
- Nathalal Jhagda Railway Overbridge: The youngest of the four at 27 years, yet still requiring substantial repair work.
Structural Assessment Findings
According to detailed reports from civic officials, a specialized consultant appointed by the AMC conducted thorough inspections of all four overbridge structures. The comprehensive assessment revealed multiple indicators of structural distress that necessitate immediate intervention.
The inspection identified minimal gaps between pedestal tops and girder bottoms, along with significantly damaged bearings throughout the structures. These findings have made both immediate repairs and complete bearing replacements absolutely essential to prevent potential safety hazards and ensure long-term structural stability.
Based on these critical assessment results, the committee unanimously cleared the repair proposal, authorizing the commencement of phased restoration work that will systematically address all identified structural concerns.
Heightened Safety Scrutiny Following Recent Incidents
This approval comes at a time of intensified focus on bridge safety across Gujarat, particularly following the tragic collapse of the Gambhira Bridge near Vadodara on July 9, 2025. In the immediate aftermath of that incident, the state government issued directives for urgent inspections and necessary repairs of all bridges throughout Gujarat to prevent similar occurrences.
The AMC's proactive approach aligns with these statewide safety initiatives, demonstrating the municipal corporation's commitment to infrastructure reliability and public safety.
Regular Inspection Protocols and Maintenance Framework
AMC officials have clarified that consultants are systematically appointed to inspect all city bridges according to a rigorous biannual schedule—conducting assessments both before and after the monsoon season each year. Repair works are then meticulously planned and executed based on these professional recommendations to ensure optimal structural safety and maximize infrastructure longevity.
This systematic approach to bridge maintenance represents a comprehensive strategy for preserving Ahmedabad's vital transportation infrastructure while prioritizing the safety of daily commuters who depend on these critical thoroughfares.
