Gujarat HC slams state over Gambhira bridge collapse despite pre-monsoon inspection
With more than 20 lives lost, the fatal collapse of the Gambhira bridge in Padra has put the state government squarely in the Gujarat High Court’s crosshairs. The incident was raised during an ongoing suo motu PIL hearing related to the 2022 Morbi bridge collapse, as the court questioned how such a failure was possible despite a reported inspection.
“If the Gambhira bridge was inspected before the monsoon, then how did such a disaster occur?” the bench of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice D N Patel asked, addressing the state’s Advocate General, Kamal Trivedi.
State offers apology but no explanation
Representing the state, Advocate General Trivedi apologised to the court and termed the incident an “unfortunate accident” but did not offer a clear explanation for how the collapse happened so soon after an official inspection. The court noted the absence of a concrete response and pointedly criticised the lack of preventive action.
Trivedi told the court that inspection reports had been requested from senior officers and that all bridges were now being reassessed. “Sorry, my lord,” he said, acknowledging the court’s dissatisfaction with the government’s response.
Court questions credibility of inspection process
The court raised serious concerns about the inspection regime across the state, pointing out that the government had claimed all bridges are inspected twice a year. In light of that, the bench asked how a structure like the Gambhira bridge could fail so soon after being checked.
The bench observed that inspections carried out in the aftermath of the collapse resulted in the immediate closure of 133 bridges across Gujarat. The High Court directed the government to submit a detailed status report on bridge inspections and any actions taken. The next hearing is scheduled for August.
Post-Morbi reforms under question
The court also remarked that little seems to have changed on the ground, despite the initiation of the PIL following the Morbi tragedy. It asked whether the PIL was being treated narrowly—as a Morbi-specific matter—or if it was meant to address wider systemic failures.
The implication was clear: the Gambhira bridge collapse might have been avoided had the government taken serious corrective action post-Morbi.
The performance of the Roads and Buildings Department also came under criticism, with the court expressing concern about its role in infrastructure oversight.
High court seeks status of Morbi compensation
During the hearing, the bench also sought an update on compensation to families affected by the Morbi collapse. Petitioners representing the victims demanded ₹2 crore for the deceased and ₹50 lakh for those injured.
The court directed the state government and the private firm involved in the Morbi case to clarify their positions on the demand for enhanced compensation.
Disciplinary action against Morbi official under way
In response to questions about accountability, the government informed the court that Sandipsinh Zala, who served as Chief Officer of the Morbi Municipality at the time of the 2022 tragedy, has been suspended. A departmental inquiry has been initiated and a chargesheet filed.
If found guilty, Zala will face a reduction of three pay levels and will be denied annual pay increments for the next three years, as recommended to the Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC).
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