PM Modi Expresses Grief Over Vadodara Bridge Collapse Tragedy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed profound grief and sorrow over the tragic loss of lives caused by the collapse of a bridge in Vadodara district, Gujarat. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday morning, saw a section of the Gambhira-Mujpur bridge give way, sending several vehicles plunging into the Mahisagar River below.

In a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Modi offered his heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this devastating accident. He also wished a swift recovery to all those who were injured.

To provide immediate relief to the affected families, the Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of each deceased. Additionally, those injured in the collapse will receive Rs. 50,000.

The Gambhira-Mujpur bridge, a vital link connecting Anand and Vadodara districts, collapsed during peak morning traffic hours, leading to multiple fatalities and injuries. Initial reports indicate that several vehicles, including trucks, vans, and possibly smaller vehicles, were caught in the collapse.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also conveyed his deep distress over the tragedy and has ordered an immediate, comprehensive investigation into the incident. A team of technical experts, including the Chief Engineer – Design, Chief Engineer – South Gujarat, and two private engineers specializing in bridge construction, has been dispatched to the site to ascertain the exact cause of the collapse and submit a preliminary report on its technical aspects.

Rescue operations were swiftly launched by local authorities, including the Vadodara district administration, police, fire brigade teams, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Efforts are ongoing to search for any missing persons and retrieve submerged vehicles.

The collapse of the 43-year-old bridge has raised serious concerns about the structural integrity of aging infrastructure across the state and the nation. While state authorities have stated that periodic maintenance was carried out, a thorough probe will be crucial to determine if any lapses in maintenance or other factors contributed to this catastrophic failure. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stringent safety audits and timely upgrades of public infrastructure to prevent such tragedies in the future.