Following heightened safety concerns in the aftermath of the Gambhira River bridge collapse, urgent repair work has commenced on the Umeta (Sindhrot) Bridge that connects Vadodara to Anand district in Gujarat. The bridge, a critical transportation link in the region, is undergoing steel-focused maintenance to address visible signs of wear and structural vulnerability.
According to local authorities, the repair scope includes rust removal from exposed steel sections, application of protective steel coatings, micro-concrete patching, and the installation of new W-beam crash barriers to enhance roadside safety. These measures are aimed at restoring immediate functionality while ensuring basic structural integrity. As a precaution, the bridge is currently restricted to light vehicles only, with all heavy vehicular traffic barred until the structure is certified safe for full operations.
The urgency of these repairs’ stems from the collapse of the nearby Gambhira bridge, which raised concerns about the safety of similar aging structures in the area. The Umeta Bridge, although still intact, has shown signs of corrosion and stress that prompted the district administration to act swiftly. Meanwhile, engineers and consultants have been tasked with preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a new two-lane bridge to be constructed adjacent to the existing one. This proposed bridge is expected to be built using modern design standards with improved load-bearing capacity and advanced materials, including high-grade structural steel.
The repair and redevelopment initiative is being closely monitored by the Vadodara District Collectorate, with support from state-level infrastructure and road development departments.
