Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The International Road Federation (IRF) has raised alarm over the recent collapse of a section of the Gambhira bridge in Gujarat, urging authorities to implement systematic monitoring and maintenance of bridges and other critical infrastructure across India. The incident on Wednesday claimed at least 13 lives, highlighting the urgent need for proactive safety measures.
IRF Stresses Need for Modern Technologies in Maintenance
K K Kapila, President Emeritus of the Geneva-based IRF, emphasized that natural environmental conditions pose significant challenges to bridge durability, regardless of materials or construction quality. “Regular use of these structures further accelerates their deterioration. Concerned authorities, including civil and structural engineers, must conduct regular assessments of bridge elements to establish conditions and then address critical defects to preserve the safety and integrity of bridges,” he said.
Kapila added that effective asset management aimed at maximizing service life demands innovative and modern technologies.
AI and Data Analytics Offer New Tools for Infrastructure Safety
Akhilesh Srivastava, President of the IRF India chapter, highlighted the potential of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, modern instrumentation, and data analysis for infrastructure monitoring and maintenance. He noted these tools can complement traditional visual inspections to improve safety outcomes.
Details of the Gujarat Bridge Collapse
The collapse occurred Wednesday morning in Gujarat’s Vadodara district, when a section of the four-decade-old Gambhira bridge fell into the Mahisagar river. According to Gujarat’s Health Minister Rushikesh Patel, five to six vehicles plunged into the river after a slab gave way, resulting in at least three deaths and several others being rescued. The bridge connects central Gujarat to the Saurashtra region and serves as a vital transport link.
