Gambhira Bridge Collapse in Gujarat: 9 Dead, Connectivity Severed Between Vadodara and Anand

Vadodara, Gujarat — A tragic incident shook Gujarat on Wednesday morning as the Gambhira bridge, a crucial connector between Vadodara and Anand, collapsed, resulting in the death of at least nine people and injuries to six others. The collapse of the 900-metre-long bridge over the Mahisagar River has caused significant disruptions to vehicular movement and has raised serious concerns about infrastructure safety in the state.

What Happened: The Collapse of Gambhira Bridge

The bridge collapse occurred around 7:30 am on July 9, 2025. A large section of the slab between two piers gave way, plunging at least four vehicles — including two trucks and two vans — into the Mahisagar River. Eyewitnesses and initial reports suggest that the sudden collapse left commuters no time to react.

Police officials confirmed that rescue efforts began immediately. Padra police inspector Vijay Charan said, "Four persons have been rescued so far. The operation is still underway."

Casualties and Injuries
 

Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi confirmed to the media that nine bodies had been recovered, and six injured individuals were pulled out of the river. All injured have been admitted to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment.

"CM sent a high-level committee to the spot in the morning itself and has sought a report at the earliest. Taking this very seriously, the CM has directed a team of Roads and Buildings Department and other teams to take concrete measures," Sanghavi stated.
 

Rescue Efforts in Full Swing
 

Vadodara Collector Anil Dhameliya provided an update on the ongoing efforts: "Local swimmers, boats, and the team of the Municipal Corporation were the first to respond. Teams from the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC), Emergency Response Centre, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, and other administrative bodies are present and involved in rescue operations."

The NDRF team was specially dispatched with advanced rescue equipment to search for any more trapped or missing persons. Fire department teams from Vadodara, along with local volunteers and residents, also joined hands to assist in the mission.
 

Visuals and Structural Collapse
 

Heart-wrenching visuals from the scene showed a massive portion of the bridge missing. The concrete slab between two piers had entirely collapsed, leaving steel reinforcements hanging and vehicles submerged.

According to sources, four vehicles were confirmed to have fallen into the river. Divers and rescue personnel were seen pulling out bodies and injured individuals while search efforts continued throughout the day.

Historical Context: A Bridge Built in 1985

 

The Gambhira bridge, built in 1985, had served as a lifeline between the Vadodara and Anand districts for nearly four decades. Gujarat Minister Rushikesh Patel said the bridge underwent periodic maintenance. "Its exact failure cause will be probed thoroughly. A structural audit and expert analysis will follow," he said.

The bridge has 23 piers and is considered a critical transportation route for both commuters and goods. Its sudden collapse has reignited debates around the safety and aging of public infrastructure.
 

Disruption in Connectivity Between Anand and Vadodara
 

The immediate fallout of the collapse is the severing of a major road link between the districts of Anand and Vadodara. The disruption has affected not only daily commuters but also the transport of goods, with alternative routes experiencing a spike in traffic and congestion.

Traffic police have advised drivers to avoid the route until further notice, and signage for diversions has been placed along major access roads.
 

CM Bhupendra Patel's Directive and Government Response
 

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered a high-level technical inspection of the site and instructed experts to ascertain the reasons behind the structural failure. A dedicated investigation committee has been formed to examine potential lapses in maintenance, load management, and overall design endurance of the bridge.

The CM's office released a statement that said: "We are committed to full transparency and accountability. The safety of our citizens is non-negotiable, and such tragic incidents will not go unchecked."

Public Reaction and Demands for Accountability
 

Local residents and opposition leaders have raised questions about the state's infrastructure maintenance standards. Social media is abuzz with criticism of the administration for allowing such an important bridge to fall into disrepair.

Several local leaders are demanding the immediate suspension of officials responsible for the bridge's oversight and a compensation package for the victims' families.

Safety and Infrastructure: The Bigger Picture
 

The Vadodara bridge collapse is not an isolated incident. Over the past decade, India has witnessed several such tragedies that highlight the urgent need for comprehensive audits and a robust bridge management system.

Experts suggest the following urgent steps:

• Regular third-party audits of aging infrastructure
• Real-time monitoring systems using sensors and AI
• Improved data collection for preventive maintenance
• Stronger penalties for negligence by contractors or engineers

Conclusion: A Tragedy That Demands Answers and Action
 

The collapse of the Gambhira bridge in Gujarat has resulted in an irreparable loss of life and disrupted one of the state’s crucial road networks. As rescue operations continue and investigations begin, the focus must now shift to ensuring that such tragedies never happen again.

For now, the state mourns the loss of nine lives while a shocked community awaits answers and hopes for swift justice.