A tragic incident unfolded in Gujarat on Wednesday morning when a crucial bridge connecting the Anand and Vadodara districts collapsed, resulting in the loss of 11 lives. The Gambhira bridge, a vital link for commuters traveling between South Gujarat and Saurashtra, gave way during peak traffic hours, plunging four vehicles into the Mahisagar river. Among the vehicles were two trucks, a Bolero SUV, and a pickup van.

The collapse of this 40-year-old bridge, constructed in 1986 by the UP State Bridge Construction Company at a cost of Rs 343 lakh, has caused significant disruption. The nearly 900-meter-long structure, known for its 23 piers and a catchment area of 30,976 square kilometers, was infamous as a suicide point. Its sudden failure has forced commuters to take a longer route via Vasad, adding an extra 50 kilometers to their journey.

This detour is expected to lead to increased traffic congestion at the Vasad Road toll plaza as all vehicles from South Gujarat are redirected. The impact is particularly severe for those traveling from South Gujarat to Saurashtra and for residents of rural areas in Anand and Vadodara who rely on this route for daily commutes.

In response to the collapse, authorities have temporarily diverted traffic towards Sindhrot, requiring an additional 16-kilometer detour for those heading to Padra for work. This alternative route aims to alleviate some of the immediate travel challenges faced by commuters from various villages in the Anand region.

The incident highlights the urgent need for infrastructure assessment and maintenance to prevent such tragedies in the future. As investigations continue into the cause of the collapse, affected communities are left grappling with the aftermath of this devastating event.