Surat Tapi River Bridge Near Kamrej Closed For Month Amid Urgent Repairs
Following the tragic collapse of the Gambhira bridge, a cascade of proactive safety measures is underway in Gujarat, underscoring a critical shift towards a more resilient and equitable infrastructure framework. The Tapi River bridge near Kamrej on National Highway 48 has been closed for a month as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) launches urgent repairs on the vital Bharuch-to-Surat corridor. This move, a direct consequence of a high-level ministerial directive, highlights a renewed focus on public safety and the long-term sustainability of the nation’s transport arteries.
The Tapi River bridge, part of a dual-structure corridor, had developed a critical gap in its expansion joint, a deficiency that temporary eight-hour closures failed to rectify. The gravity of the situation was compounded by the Gambhira bridge collapse, which tragically claimed 18 lives, prompting a swift re-evaluation of all vulnerable infrastructure. The decision to close the bridge for a full month’s repair reflects a commitment to a lasting solution over a quick fix, a principle central to building future-ready urban and regional transport networks.
To mitigate the disruption caused by the closure, the Surat district administration has leveraged the state-of-the-art Delhi-Mumbai Expressway as a diversion route. Vehicles travelling from Bharuch will be rerouted via the Kim-to-Ena section, a strategic decision that showcases the inherent value of investing in high-quality, greenfield expressways. This new infrastructure provides a reliable alternative, ensuring minimal economic disruption for freight carriers and commuters while full-scale repair work can be completed on the aging structure. The exclusion of two-wheelers from the Expressway, however, highlights an area for future planning to ensure truly inclusive and gender-neutral urban mobility.
In a parallel development, authorities have also decided to close the Rangsetu bridge near Shinor to heavy vehicles. This 2005-built structure, which has undergone multiple costly repairs, is now deemed unsuitable for heavy-duty use. Officials have proposed constructing a new bridge at an estimated cost of over ₹250 crore, a business-centric decision that prioritises long-term durability and safety over repeated, short-term maintenance. This move is a clear indication that authorities are adopting a new standard for infrastructure development, where the life cycle and resilience of structures are given precedence.
This series of bridge closures and repair projects signals a fundamental shift in infrastructure management. Prompted by tragedy, the response demonstrates a powerful commitment to public safety, sustainable urban planning, and economic resilience. It is a compelling narrative of a society learning from past failures and investing proactively in the robust, eco-friendly infrastructure required for a modern, equitable future.
