Several vehicles plunged into the Mahisagar River after a segment of the 40-year-old bridge near Gambhira village, connecting Anand and Vadodara districts, collapsed on July 9
Pic/PTI
Days after the Mahisagar river bridge collapse tragedy in Vadodara district, the Gujarat government has approved the construction of a parallel two-lane bridge and approved Rs 212 crore for the project-related work, reported news agency PTI.
Several vehicles plunged into the Mahisagar River after a segment of the 40-year-old bridge near Gambhira village, connecting Anand and Vadodara districts, collapsed on July 9.
The death toll rose to 20 on Friday, while the search for a missing person continues, officials said on Sunday, reported PTI.
The old bridge near Gambhira village was a key link between central Gujarat and Saurashtra.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Sunday granted administrative approval to the Roads and Buildings Department for the construction of a new bridge near Mujpur connecting Vadodara and Anand districts, reported PTI.
The government has set a target to build the new structure in 18 months and the tendering process has been initiated, an official release stated.
A detailed project report was recently prepared by the R&B Department after a survey.
"Following the unfortunate collapse of the existing bridge, which disrupted connectivity between central Gujarat and Saurashtra and posed challenges for local commuters and students, the chief minister swiftly approved this new project," it said, reported PTI.
R&B Department's superintending engineer NV Rathva said the existing two-lane Mujpur approach road would be expanded to four lanes and widened to seven metres. A 4.2 km stretch from the highway to the bridge will also be expanded to four lanes, reported PTI.
"The chief minister has approved administrative sanction of Rs 212 crore for these works," he said, reported PTI.
Meanwhile, the operation to trace a missing man continued in the Mahisagar river, officials said.
The rescue teams were conducting searches with rubber boats and other necessary equipment, he said, adding the wreckage of the small vehicles was also salvaged.
Meanwhile, the State Government, under the guidance of the Chief Minister, has extended compassionate support to the families affected and injured in the Mujpur-Gambhira bridge accident.
According to a release, as part of the announced financial assistance, cheques totalling Rs 62 lakh were distributed today. This includes Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured, handed over by MP Jasubhai Rathva and MLA Chaitanyasinh Zala.
Considering the seriousness of the incident, this aid was approved immediately and disbursed without delay. As per the current list, cheques totalling Rs 62 lakh have been distributed, covering four injured individuals and the families of 15 deceased.
(With inputs from PTI)
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