Surat MP Slams SMC for Nehru Bridge Neglect

Surat : In a scathing letter addressed to Surat Municipal Commissioner Shalini Agarwal, BJP MP Mukesh Dalal has expressed strong criticism over the Surat Municipal Corporation’s (SMC) negligence in maintaining public infrastructure, specifically targeting the deteriorating condition of the Nehru Bridge. The bridge, constructed in 2015 to alleviate growing traffic between Adajan and Chowk Bazaar, is now facing significant structural issues that pose a serious risk to public safety.

Dalal’s letter highlights the alarming state of the parapet wall on the new section of the bridge, which serves as a vital link between the two bustling areas. According to him, the entire parapet, stretching from the Adajan approach to Chowk Bazaar, has multiple large holes exposing the steel and concrete underneath. “The holes are so wide that someone could easily slip through and fall into the river below,” warned Dalal, emphasizing the urgent need for repairs.

Speaking on the matter, a concerned resident from Adajan said, “It seems like the authorities are waiting for a disaster to happen before they act. This is not just negligence; it is putting people’s lives at risk.”

Dalal accused the senior officers of SMC of being disconnected from the ground realities.

It seems that the senior officers of the Surat Municipal Corporation in the respective municipal zones across the city are not moving out of their air-conditioned chambers to assess the damages to public properties, including bridges

Dalal urged the commissioner to take immediate action to repair the parapet wall before any untoward incidents occur.

Local business owners near Chowk Bazaar also voiced their frustration. “We’ve reported this issue multiple times, but no one listens. The bridge is a major route for commuters and traders, and its condition has been worsening for months,” said Manoj Patel, a shopkeeper in the area.

Dalal’s letter has sparked public debate, with many residents echoing his concerns about the SMC’s lack of accountability in maintaining critical infrastructure. “It’s only after someone important speaks up that the authorities even take notice. This shouldn’t be the case when public safety is at stake,” said another Surat resident.

The Surat Municipal Corporation has yet to respond publicly to the MP’s letter, but pressure is mounting for swift action to address the bridge’s deteriorating state and ensure public safety.