Ahmedabad civic officials are contemplating the complete reconstruction of the 53-year-old Subhash Bridge following a recommendation by a panel of bridge experts. The experts, including those from IIT Roorkee and IIT Gandhinagar, suggested that replacing the aging structure would be the safest and most durable long-term solution. Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani stated that the existing substructure and piers of the bridge have aged, making rebuilding the entire structure a more beneficial option than constructing a new superstructure on old foundations.
The experts highlighted that maintaining the current substructure and piers while adding a new superstructure could pose technical challenges in achieving a design life of 100 years. They unanimously agreed that removing the old piers and superstructure and replacing them with a new structure would offer a safer, more durable, and effective long-term solution. The decision to consider reconstruction comes after the bridge was closed to traffic six months ago due to structural concerns, with settlement observed in a span above one of the piers and cracks appearing in a parapet section.
Detailed inspections were conducted by structural experts and technical institutions following the closure of the bridge. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation is now evaluating the cost implications, implementation time, project lifespan, and other technical aspects before making a final decision. The Roads and Buildings Department will review the proposed design and handle the necessary approval procedures.
Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation is currently comparing the costs and timelines between the options of rebuilding the bridge. The civic body is committed to ensuring the city receives a safe and modern bridge promptly. The Municipal Commissioner emphasized the urgency in completing the reconstruction of Subhash Bridge to provide the city with a secure and contemporary bridge for the long term. A final decision on the bridge’s future will be made after technical studies and analyses are completed in the upcoming days.
