Ved-Variav Bridge on Tapi River in Surat Develops Cracks After First Heavy Rainfall

Surat : The inauguration of the Ved-Variav bridge on the Tapi river on May 19, 2023, marked a significant milestone as the 15th bridge constructed on the river. However, serious questions have been raised about the construction quality of the bridge as it suffered damage during the first heavy rainfall of the monsoon season in Surat.

The bridge’s approach portion caved-in and developed large cracks, raising concerns about its structural integrity. The incident has drawn attention to the construction practices employed by the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who are responsible for the bridge’s construction.

Fortunately, commuters on the bridge were alerted to the danger by other drivers who noticed the cracks on the approach end. Thanks to their timely warning, a potential disaster was averted, and the commuters had a miraculous escape. The approach portion of the Ved-Variav bridge has been closed for vehicular traffic, and the SMC has initiated repair work to rectify the damage to the road.

The incident has sparked serious scrutiny of the SMC and BJP’s oversight and accountability in ensuring the construction quality of the Ved-Variav bridge. The authorities are now under pressure to address the concerns and investigate the lapses in the construction process.

Surat, already known for its impressive infrastructure, holds the distinction of having the highest number of bridges in India, with a count of 120, including flyover bridges and river bridges. The Ved-Variav bridge was expected to significantly ease traffic congestion and provide a direct route for motorists traveling from Katargam to Variav and Chaprabhatha, saving them a detour of 7.5 kilometers. The bridge was designed to reduce travel time to just 1.5 minutes.

The Ved-Variav bridge was particularly anticipated by residents in the Variav area as it offered a convenient connection to major parts of the city, including Chowkbazar-Athwallines and the Railway Station, Laldarwaja. The bridge aimed to alleviate traffic congestion in Katargam-Vedroad and Variav-Amroli-Chaprabhatha areas, enhancing connectivity for residents.

The SMC now faces the critical task of repairing the damaged portion of the Ved-Variav bridge and ensuring that the necessary steps are taken to address the quality concerns that have arisen. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent construction standards and thorough oversight to ensure the safety and durability of infrastructure projects.