The unusable Hatkeshwar bridge of Ahmedabad, standing as an example of corruption and authorities’ inability to serve the public has been at the centre of controversies once again.

In a tweet-war between Congress and the BJP over the bridge, the Gujarat Minister of Home Harsh Sanghavi stated that the total cost of ₹52 crore for the demolition and the reconstruction will be paid by the old builder.

The bridge was originally built at the cost of ₹40 crore, however, the sub-par quality of the concrete used in the construction meant that the bridge could not be used. 

After several appeals by the townspeople, it was decided to demolish the bridge altogether and rebuild it.

The demolition of the bridge is likely to cost ₹8 crore, and the reconstruction is estimated to cost ₹44 crore, adding ₹12 crore to the initial cost.

Over this, the opposition Congress has alleged that the BJP is flaunting the reconstruction of a bridge that has now become a model of corruption. Citizens of Ahmedabad, who pay lakhs in taxes, are not getting any services even after suffering for a long time.

On the other hand, Gujarat's minister of home has stated that the cost will be borne by the builder of the faulty bridge.

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