At least 141 people lost their lives, and several others are missing after the suspension bridge collapsed into the Machchu river in Morbi, Gujarat. After the tragic incident, Ahmedabad has heightened safety measures on the Atal Bridge over the Sabarmati River. Now, the state will allow a maximum of 3000 people per hour on the pedestrian truss bridge.
Although the bridge has the capacity to accommodate nearly 12,000 persons, the harrowing accident in Gujarat has pushed the authorities to cap the number of people on the bridge.
Atal Bridge Was Inaugurated In August 2022
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the Atal Pedestrian Bridge on August 27, 2022. It is a ‘single-span steel truss bridge’ with steel and glass railings and panels of different colours. At night, LED lights wonderfully illuminate it. The architectural masterpiece is 300 metres long and 10 metres wide and has a unique design inspired by Ahmedabad’s Kite Festival. The Atal Bridge connects the Sabarmati Riverfront’s upper and lower promenades. Despite the bridge’s sturdy construction, the Ahmedabad civic body has now imposed a cap to reduce the chances of any mishap. Per hour, it will allow only 3000 visitors on the bridge. Others must wait for their turn at the Riverfront.
Amazing views of the Atal Bridge which will be inaugurated by PM Shri @narendramodi this evening in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. pic.twitter.com/G3MMMSjVaI
— BJP (@BJP4India) August 27, 2022
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Odisha Government Is Inspecting Hanging Bridges
In the wake of the incident, the Odisha government is also inspecting two hanging bridges in the state, the Cuttack Bridge and the Nagavali Bridge. Due to the discovery of cracks on the Cuttack Bridge, the authorities are shutting down the bridge for two days for restoration works. The Nagavali Bridge has also been shut down owing to past accidents.
Inspection of the Suspension bridge over river Mahanadi connecting to Dhabaleswar Pitha by the Principal Secretary RD Department with EIC RW, CE Building & Bridge, CCE RW Cuttack Circle and other field engineers. Instructed to submit proposal for immediate repair. pic.twitter.com/xMn51qG0MQ
— Odisha Rural (@RDOdisha) October 15, 2022
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The response forces have rescued around 177 people from the Morbi site, while others are still missing. We pray for the families of those who who passed away in the unfortunate incident.
Feature Image Credits: Wikipedia and Twitter/@BJP4India