When politicians are busy with their agendas and votes, they mobilize with slogans like 'Stop the Train,' 'Halt the Buses,' and 'Block the Roads.' But have you ever seen a politician protest against a dangerous bridge poised for disaster, or rally against failing education systems, or go on a hunger strike against adulterated poisons? The answer is likely no. Therefore, ask questions. Because, if not, leaders will continue to devalue public safety, as evidenced by the recent tragedy in Vadodara, Gujarat, where a bridge collapsed, leading to 13 lost lives. Demand answers, and ask how many more deaths it will take for change.
Notably, three years ago when another bridge fell in Gujarat, promises were made to prevent future calamities. Remember Morbi in 2022? 135 lives were lost. The Gujarat government vowed structural integrity checks on all bridges. Yet, how thorough were these inspections? What is known now is that on Wednesday, a 40-year-old bridge in Vadodara, Gujarat, collapsed. 13 bodies have been recovered so far. So if checks were conducted, how did this bridge fail?
Those who set out for work or factories that morning will never return. On that fateful Wednesday, as they crossed the Gambhira Bridge connecting Anand to Vadodara, a 900-meter span collapsed from the middle. Two trucks, an e-commerce van, a pickup truck, and an auto rickshaw plummeted downwards.
Source: aajtak
Was the Strength of Vadodara Bridge Never Assessed?
Following 13 deaths, familiar governmental rhetoric is heard about compensation, inquiries, inspections, and actions. Yet, the question persists: after 135 lives were lost in Morbi, it was mandated that all bridges would undergo structural assessments—was the 40-year-old Vadodara bridge exempted?
Source: aajtak
Did the Administration Fail to Act 15 Days Earlier?
Fifteen days prior, local police inspector Vijay Charan, along with village leaders of Eklabara and Mujpur, conducted a bridge inspection. Local residents had long claimed the bridge was in disrepair, yet no action was taken. Most frequently traversed by working-class citizens, the bridge was left to fate. The pressing question remains: if 135 deaths couldn’t awaken urgency, will the loss of 13 stir action?
