Authorities in Gujarat have moved swiftly to dispel public concerns regarding the structural safety of the crucial Indira Bridge, connecting Ahmedabad to Gandhinagar from the Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airport side. This comes after recent media reports highlighted alleged "cracks" on the bridge, a vital route frequently used by VVIPs and the general public alike.
Official Inspection Clarifies the Findings
On Sunday, January 5, 2026, officials issued a firm denial of the claims, asserting the bridge's complete safety for all vehicular traffic. The clarification followed a detailed joint on-site inspection conducted by the Executive Engineer of Capital Planning Division 3 and the Deputy Executive Engineer of Sub-Division 18. The team concluded that the features identified as cracks were, in fact, expansion joints.
In an official statement, authorities explained that these joints are a standard and essential feature in bridge engineering. "What is being called a crack is not a structural defect but an 'expansion joint' placed between the two spans of the bridge," the statement read. These components are installed as per civil engineering norms to accommodate the natural expansion and contraction of construction materials caused by seasonal temperature fluctuations, thereby preventing actual structural damage.
Recent Audit and Public Assurance
The authorities emphasized their proactive maintenance regime, noting that the Indira Bridge is periodically inspected by the department. To bolster public confidence, they revealed the findings of a recent comprehensive technical audit. This audit, conducted by the firm 'Infinite Consultant', found no damage in the main structure of the bridge.
"So this bridge is completely safe for vehicular traffic and the public should use it without any fear and stay away from such baseless rumours," the official communication urged. This reassurance is particularly significant in the context of recent concerns flagged over "structural deficiencies" on other Ahmedabad bridges like the Subhash and Income Tax flyovers in the past few weeks.
Context and Conclusion
The spotlight on Indira Bridge underscores the heightened public and media vigilance regarding urban infrastructure safety. The prompt response from the engineering departments aimed to separate factual engineering components from perceived defects. By publicly detailing the function of expansion joints and citing an independent technical audit, the authorities have sought to provide transparent and technically sound reassurance to the commuting public of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, ensuring that this key arterial link remains trusted and fully operational.
