Five bridges on Narmada Canal closed, four restricted for heavy vehicles following Inspection drive

Gujarat, July 17, 2025 – In the wake of the tragic collapse of the Gambhira Bridge over the Mahi River in Vadodara, a large-scale inspection of bridge infrastructure has led to the closure of five bridges on the Narmada Canal, deemed unsafe for public use.

New Update
narmada canal bridge

Four additional bridges have been restricted for heavy vehicles due to structural concerns.

The Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNNL), which oversees the 69,000 km-long Narmada Canal network covering an irrigation area of 17.92 lakh hectares across Gujarat, conducted a comprehensive visual inspection of all 2,110 operational bridges on the network. The goal was to assess structural integrity, prevent accidents, and extend bridge life.

Key Findings:

  • 5 bridges closed to all traffic due to dangerous conditions.
  • 4 bridges restricted for heavy vehicle movement.
  • 36 bridges marked for immediate repair by district administrations.
  • Safety directives issued for 2,065 remaining bridges to maintain safe usage.

Closed Bridges:

  • Ajitgarh–Ghantila road bridge on Malia Branch Canal, Morbi district.
  • Bridge between NH-151A and Machhu River on Malia Branch Canal, Morbi district.
  • Dhanki–Chharad village bridge on Saurashtra Branch Canal, Lakhtar taluka, Surendranagar district.
  • Lakhtar–Vana village bridge on Saurashtra Branch Canal, Surendranagar district.
  • Bridge near Bala-Bala Farm on Saurashtra Branch Canal, Wadhwan taluka, Surendranagar district.

Bridges Restricted for Heavy Vehicles:

  • Phaedra–Bagodara–Bhavnagar SH bridge on Vallabhipur Branch Canal, Ahmedabad district.
  • Naroda–Dehgam SH bridge, Ahmedabad to Gandhinagar district.
  • Raipur–Medara road bridge on the canal, Ahmedabad district.
  • Phutula–Suigam road bridge on Kutch Branch Canal, Santalur taluka, Patan district.

The SSNNL has issued immediate instructions to district and field-level offices to carry out necessary repairs, ensure public safety, and implement traffic restrictions wherever needed.

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