Year after Vadodara bridge collapse killed 22, new link on Mahi River opens today

A new bridge spanning the Mahi River, inaugurated today, marks a significant improvement over the collapsed structure that claimed 22 lives in Vadodara district over a year ago. The 868.75-metre bridge, built in just 12 months, features epoxy-coated steel for enhanced durability and comprises 23 spans and 21 piers. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel is set to officially open the bridge on Sunday, replacing the old 1985-built bridge whose slab failure caused the accident in July 2025.

The new bridge, costing approximately Rs 278 crore, will restore direct connectivity between Padra taluka in Vadodara and Anklav in Anand district, averting the 45-kilometre detour previously mandatory. Despite challenges like varying water levels in Mahisagar, the bridge was completed a fortnight ahead of schedule. The construction, overseen by close monitoring by the Chief Minister and fortnightly reviews, utilized precast elements and included rigorous safety testing, including load tests on each span.

With 300 workers operating around the clock, the bridge now promises a secure passage for the one lakh daily traffic, primarily heavy-duty vehicles, that previously faced a dangerous crossing.