VMC doctors told to ensure full-time presence at health centres
Bank loader held for stealing 9.99L from Halol ATM
Mahisagar stabbing: Class 8 boy was carrying knife in his bag
Full Mandvi restoration to take more time
Man, two minor sons found hanging in Dahod village
ICT professor appointed as new vice-chancellor of MSU
Two of five family members who attempted suicide in Vadodara dead
Siblings missing for weeks traced to Chambal ravines with mother
Youth gets 20 years in jail for raping 17-year-old girl
Vadodara shines in NEET-PG 2025, four in top 100
In Gujarats ceramics hub, thousands denied PF, other legal benefits
Delhi history-sheeters held for chain snatchings in city
1.51L paid as penalty over biomedical waste in Gotri garden
VMC asked to implement reforms to qualify for SASCI grants
Murder accused, aide held with stolen bike and cash in Vadodara
Ex-Congress councillor murdered while on morning walk in Anand
Water shortage leads to fight between sarpanchs relatives, panchayat member
Man held for string of burglaries
Vending machine runs out of cloth bags at Khanderao Market
Family alleges negligence after minors death at SSG Hospital
Vadodara takes green step with cloth bag vending machines
Staff absence disrupts cremations at Khaswadi
Lord Parekh donates his collection of rare and valuable books
Six Chui gang members moved to separate jails
Dahod LCB seizes 1.26cr liquor in tanker at Gujarat-MP border
Vadodara SOG nabs drug peddler using drone surveillance
19th century Indumati Palace to be flanked by upscale apartments
Four removed from VMC cattle teams after bribery video surfaces
Liquor worth 71L seized in Panchmahal raid
Ratlam jeweller held in 54 theft and robbery cases across two states
Neighbours attack three of family for feeding stray dog
Vishwamitri River now home to 442 crocodiles
Foot soldiers desert VMC for greener pastures
Congressman booked for assault, harassment in Padra
Vadodara to stage four-day national theatre extravaganza from Aug 19
Salaries, appointment letters of MSU temporary teachers delayed
VMC, city police team up to enforce parking policy
For heir, father-in-law and relative rape woman repeatedly
Three held for stealing womans necklace by deception
Month after Gambhira bridge collapse, locals demand pontoon bridge
Corporators among 27 arrested for gambling in Lalol
Streetlight contractors employee dies mysteriously
Two independent studies indicate alarming levels of silent toxins in Gujarats lifelines
RoaRsearch workshop trains youth in wildlife monitoring
31-year-old man found dead in lodge
Thiruvananthapuram seventh safest city in India, 149th globally
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Thiruvananthapuram has secured the 7th position among the safest cities in the country according to the Numbeo Safety Index 2025. Globally, it stands 149th with a safety index score of 61.1 and a crime index of 38.9. The Numbeo Safety Index is a crowdsourced, real-time assessment of how safe people feel in their countries and cities. It ranks cities based on public perceptions of safety in daily life, covering both daytime and nighttime experiences. It evaluates personal safety concerns such as risks of mugging, robbery, car theft, physical attacks and harassment in public places. The index also factors in discrimination based on skin colour, ethnicity, gender, or religion, alongside property crimes like vandalism and burglary, and violent crimes such as assault and homicide. A higher safety index score indicates a city is safer with lower crime rates and more effective law enforcement. Thiruvananthapurams position ahead of large metro cities like Chennai and Pune highlights the citys relative security and improved public safety. The capitals position reflects the impact of higher detection rates, swift responses to complaints and active citizen participation. Mangaluru top in India, Abu Dhabi safest: Index The control room camera systems are functioning effectively. The citys population is largely law-abiding, which naturally keeps crime rates low. Most incidents are reported from the outskirts, where commercial activity is higher. Anti-social elements are under constant surveillance, and preventive measures, including KAAPA, are being implemented effectively. The higher density of police stations compared to the population is another advantage. Above all, our continuous effort to reduce response time is a major factor in maintaining safety. Our focus will be to further reduce crime and make the city even safer, said city police commissioner Thomson Jose. Leading the list among Indian cities is Mangaluru in Karnataka with a safety index of 74.2. Other top cities include Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Surat, Jaipur, and Navi Mumbai. Several cities in the Middle East have earned global recognition for their safety, with five of them being ranked among the worlds top 10 safest cities. Leading the list is Abu Dhabi, holding the top spot as the safest city globally for the ninth consecutive year. India was positioned 67th among the worlds safest countries, achieving an index score of 55.8.
VMC identifies 24 plots for pay-and-park facilities
VMC board to decide on suspension in fire equipment scam
Two ST buses collide in Chhota Udepur, several injured
US law firm to represent 65 families in AI crash probe
From sisters worldwide, Op Sindoor heroes recieve 65k rakhis
Bank employee accused of siphoning off Rs 7.93L
VMC fills 5,175 potholes this monsoon
Air India Ahmedabad plane crash: 65 families who lost kin hire U.S.-based law firm Beasley Allen
The law firm's aviation attorney Mike Andrews visited the crash site in Meghaninagar area in Ahmedabad before coming to Vadodara city, where he met some of the victim families
Ahmedabad plane crash: 65 families who lost kin hire US-based law firm Beasley Allen
Families of the Air India plane crash seek justice. They have hired a US law firm to investigate. The crash occurred on June 12, killing many. The law firm's attorney visited the crash site. He met with victim families in Vadodara. Families want to know what happened and why. The attorney urges the government to release flight data.
Donald Trump's Banner Removed From Vadodara Bungalow Amid Tariff Row | Watch
Authorities in Vadodara removed a banner of Donald Trump after Congress member Jitendra Solanki complained. The move followed Trumps recent 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods.
National TT tourney in city from Friday
10-foot croc strays into Shinor village, rescued after two-hour effort
IT worker falls prey to cyberfraud, loses 7L
Vadodara Bridge Collapse: Death Count Rises To 22, One Missing
The death count in the last month's collapse of a bridge over the Mahisagar river in Gujarat's Vadodara district has risen to 22 with an injured person dying at a hospital here, an official said on Wednesday.
BIG Update on Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, Railway Ministry announces completion of...
Ministry of Railways announces the completion of 17th bridge on the Vishwamitri River, Vadodara district, Gujarat, for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project.
Bullet train corridor work in Gujarat on fast track, to be completed by 2027
NEW DELHI: The railways has accelerated work on the bullet train corridor between Vapi and Sabarmati in Gujarat, aiming to complete it by December 2027. A target has also been set to finish the entire projectfrom Maharashtra to the Sabarmati sectionby December 2029. The country will also be heading to Lok Sabha elections the same year. According to a recent update shared with the Lok Sabha by the Ministry of Railways, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project, spanning 508 km, is currently under execution with technical and financial aid from Japan. The bullet train route will pass through Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, with 12 stations planned at Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Billimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati. Construction work at these stations is progressing at full pace. The railways added that the total estimated cost of the project now stands at `1,08,000 crore, with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) funding 81%. The remaining 19% is being financed through equity contributions from the Ministry of Railways (50%), and the governments of Maharashtra and Gujarat (25% each). As of 30 June 2025, a cumulative expenditure of Rs 78,839 crore has been incurred on the project. The Railways acknowledged that delays in land acquisition in Maharashtra had affected the project timeline up until 2021, but all civil contracts have now been awarded. Out of a total 28 tender packages, 24 tender packages have been awarded. Till now, 392 km of pier construction, 329 km of girder casting and 308 km of girder launching have been completed. The work of the under-sea tunnel (21 km approx.) has also started, railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently informed Parliament. He further added saying that detailed project reports (DPRs) are being prepared by National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), to meet growing passenger demands, and to expand High Speed Rail (HSR) network in India beyond the MAHSR corridor. Vaishnaw also said that the MAHSR project involves an affordable fare-structure keeping in mind the socio-economic conditions of clientele.
24 days, 20 dead, tanker still hangs: CM orders action, removal operation begins at Gambhira Bridge
AHMEDABAD: Nearly a month after the collapse of the Mujpur-Gambhira bridge in Gujarats Padra taluka, which claimed 20 lives, a tanker that precariously hangs from the broken span remains a national talking point and a major embarrassment for the administration. Amid mounting criticism and interdepartmental blame games, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has finally issued strict orders for its immediate removal, triggering an expert-led operation under drone surveillance. A team of experts has been working to remove the tanker since early morning on Friday. On July 9, disaster struck at dawn as the bridge crumbled, plunging vehicles into the Mahi river. Rescue teams recovered 20 bodies in the following 72 hours -- 13 on the first day, five the next (delayed due to full moon-induced high tide), and two on July 11. Gambhira bridge collapse: Death toll rises to 20; political infighting delays cremations Among the missing is Vikram Singh Padhiyar from Narsinghpura village, whose body remains untraced. Authorities also managed to retrieve 3 trucks and a motorcycle from the riverbed. The lone surviving vehicle, the tanker that now hangs mid-air has become symbolic of the governments inefficiency. Owned by Shivam Roadlines, a 12-year-old Ankleshwar-based company, the tanker has not only drawn nationwide attention but also deepened the woes of its owner. Ramashankar Indra Bahadur Pal, the owner of Shivam Roadlines, expressed helplessness over the bureaucratic delays. He told local media few days back, Weve been running pillar to post, but officers from Anand blame Vadodara, and Vadodara blames Anand. One officer even joked that the truck will be retrieved only when a new bridge is built. Another official, he said, proposed bringing in the Army to airlift the tanker, but no action followed. Were sitting on a loan of Rs 45 lakh. If this continues, were finished, he added. Now, with the CMs intervention, a team of over 10 experts equipped with full safety gear has been deployed at the site On Friday. The entire responsibility has been entrusted to the Anand Collector, and drones are being used to ensure safe execution of the high-risk operation. Whether this move can salvage the state governments image remains to be seen, but for now, the bridge continues to stand as a grim reminder of lives lost, responsibilities delayed, and a tanker that just wont come down. Gambhira Bridge collapse: Viral 2022 audio reveals prior warning, exposes official inaction
Three killed in blast in tanker at asphalt plant near Vadodara
A tragic incident near Vadodara, Gujarat, resulted in the death of three individuals when a tanker truck exploded. The explosion occurred at a plant in Mokshi village, Savli taluka, as workers were heating the tanker to remove asphalt. The deceased included the tanker's driver and cleaner, along with a local labourer who were nearby during the incident.
3 Killed After Tanker Explodes At Asphalt Plant In Gujarat: Police
Three persons were killed when a tanker exploded while being heated to empty asphalt from the vehicle at a plant near Vadodara in Gujarat on Sunday evening, police said.
Logistics Management Was Deciding Factor In Success Of Op Sindoor: Rajnath Singh
Vadodara, Jul 27: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said logistics management by various agencies was a deciding factor in the success of Operation Sindoor launched by the Indian armed forces in May, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan post the Pahalgam attack. Singh was addressing students and faculty members virtually at the 3rd convocation ceremony of Vadodara-based Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, a university under the Ministry of Railways. The speed at which the world is changing is both impressive and shocking. [] The post Logistics Management Was Deciding Factor In Success Of Op Sindoor: Rajnath Singh appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Rahul Gandhi unleashes Sangathan storm in Gujarat, calls BJP-RSS prasad politics divisive
AHMEDABAD: With Gujarat in its crosshairs for 2027, Congress has launched an aggressive organisational reset led by Rahul Gandhi. At a high-stakes training camp in Anand, he took sharp digs at the Election Commission, vowed to dethrone BJP in its home turf, and energised grassroots leaders under the Sangathan Sujan Abhiyan. The visit also included emotional outreach from cooperative sector meetings to connecting with grieving families of the Gambhira Bridge collapse victims in Vadodara. With Mission 2027 in full swing, the Congress has kicked off a decisive campaign in Gujarat, the BJP's strongest bastion. A three-day training camp for newly appointed District Congress Committee (DCC) presidents is underway at a resort near Anand, aimed at crafting a clear roadmap for the upcoming state assembly elections. The event, concluding July 28, forms the backbone of Congress's Sangathan Sujan Abhiyan a national campaign to revitalise its organisational machinery. At the centre of this push stood Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who delivered a hard-hitting address that combined political strategy with sharp critique. Accusing the Election Commission of playing umpire for the ruling party, Gandhi reportedly used a cricket analogy to boost morale: If you get out repeatedly, you may begin to doubt yourself. But sometimes, its the umpire who is biased. This, said Surendranagar DCC chief Naushad Solanki, helped ground-level leaders understand that defeats like the 2017 Gujarat polls were not merely internal failures but also influenced by dubious voters lists. Gandhi, according to Solanki, made it clear that Gujarat is no longer just a BJP stronghold, it is the battleground. If we defeat them here, they can be defeated anywhere, Gandhi told the gathering, signalling a shift in Congress's conventional strategy, which once prioritised states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. He went further, slamming the BJP-RSS combine with a stinging metaphor likening the nation to a temple where everyone has the right to pray, but the ruling regime dictates the distribution of prasad based on caste and privilege. What a Dalit, OBC, or tribal receives is different from what an Ambani or Adani gets, Gandhi was quoted as saying. Beyond rhetoric, the visit included strategic grassroots engagement. Gandhi held discussions with leaders from cooperative milk unions and dairy farmers, an influential community in Gujarats economic and political fabric. In an emotionally charged moment outside the Vadodara airport, a local Congress worker, Mitesh Parmar, ran in front of Gandhis convoy shouting, Rahul Gandhi tum aage badho, hum tumhare saath hain! Moved by the gesture, Gandhi called him over, shook his hand, and took his card instantly, reigniting the loyalist's faith. Parmar, who claims to be burdened by dozens of cases for his activism, told reporters: Ready to sacrifice my life to bring Congress to power in Gujarat; Ive been fighting for 35 years, but senior leaders are blocking my path. Later, Gandhi met with families of those killed in the Gambhira Bridge collapse in Vadodara district, continuing his emotionally resonant outreach amid political mobilisation. With old warhorses leading the charge and grassroots voices being heard, Congresss Gujarat strategy is clearly shifting gears from defence to direct attack.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Gujarat, addresses districtchiefs
Anand: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday began his day-long Gujarat visit by addressing the newly-elected district unit presidents of the party in the state at a meeting here. Gandhi arrived at the Vadodara airport in the morning. From there, he was taken straight to the venue in Anand where a three-day training camp for Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Rahul Gandhi begins his day-long Gujarat visit with address to partys district unit chiefs
Anand (Gujarat), Jul 26: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday began his day-long Gujarat visit by addressing the newly-elected district unit presidents of the party in the state at a meeting here. Gandhi arrived at the Vadodara airport in the morning. From there, he was taken straight to the venue in Anand where a three-day training camp for Congress workers, mostly presidents of district units, has been organised. Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, addressed the district [] The post Rahul Gandhi begins his day-long Gujarat visit with address to partys district unit chiefs appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Pune to get 4 new Vande Bharat trains: Check routes, key stops, fares & full details inside
Great news for Pune travellers. Indian Railways will soon launch four new Vande Bharat Express trains. These trains will connect Pune to Shegaon, Vadodara, Secunderabad, and Belagavi. The new routes promise faster and more comfortable journeys. Ticket prices are expected to be affordable. A Pune-Nagpur Vande Bharat Sleeper train is also planned.
Crushed by Rs six crore debt, petrol pump owner attempts suicide with family in Gujarat
AHMEDABAD: In a chilling incident in Gujarats Vadodara, a petrol pump owner crushed under a Rs six crore debt attempted to end his life along with his wife and three children by consuming poison. The news surfaced in the morning of July 22. The family, from Gorwa Area of Vadodara, survived the attempt and is currently undergoing treatment at Sayaji Hospital. Police have also launched a probe into the financial distress that pushed them to the brink. The family was rescued in time and shifted to Sayaji Hospital. Police Inspector JN Parmar from Jawahar Nagar Police Station confirmed that the man owns a petrol pump in the Nandesari area is reeling under a Rs 6 crore debt. The massive liability includes bank loans as well as money borrowed from relatives, all of which had pushed the family into severe financial turmoil. As per statements given to police and local media, the wife revealed that the entire family took poison together with the intent to 'pass away together'. She said the decision was not sudden and the poison had been kept at home for over a year, indicating prolonged 'mental distress'. My husband never spoke about it, but I knew he was under stress. We decided to die together, she confessed. The suicide attempt took place on July 21. After consuming the poison, the family left for their native village near Halol, intending to jump into a canal. However, while passing through Golden Chowkdi, they began vomiting, prompting them to rush to Sayaji Hospital in their car. Hospital records show that the victims include the 52-year-old father, his 49-year-old wife, their 23-year-old son, 17-year-old daughter, and a 5-year-child. Neighbours who noticed their condition alerted emergency services, and an 108 ambulance rushed them to the hospital, where they are now recovering. This tragic incident has spotlighted the devastating consequences of unchecked debt and financial pressure. Police are continuing investigations and are recording detailed statements from the family and lenders involved.
Young Jazz Pianist Joins 'As It Is' for a Soulful Evening at The Brewery
Armaan Khurana Joins 'As It Is' on Keys for a Soulful Jazz Evening Despite being the youngest artist on stage, Armaan exuded a serene confidence, his improvisations dancing gracefully through the chords, reflecting a sensitivity rare in performers of his age. Each note he played was imbued with intention, melding harmoniously into the band's cohesive, spirited arrangements. Armaan is incredibly talented and truly gifted , remarked drummer Riddesh Acharya , recounting how their paths intersected. Armaan had approached the band with an earnest request to perform alongside them, and after an impromptu audition, his artistry and sincerity left a lasting impression, earning him an invitation to join their live performance. Throughout the evening, the band meandered through beloved jazz standards and contemporary interpretations, inviting the audience into an immersive sonic journey of tranquility and exhilaration. Every member of the ensemble found their moment to shine, with Armaan's interplay adding layers of warmth and sophistication to the soundscape. Reflecting on the evening, Armaan shared, It was a great experience to play with them. I'm grateful for the chance and hope to do more in the future . As Vadodara steadily blossoms as a cultural hub, evenings like these serve as luminous reminders of the talent quietly nurtured within the city, waiting to find its voice. The performance by As It Is, elevated by Armaan's presence, was not merely a concert but a heartfelt homage to the timeless spirit of jazz and a glimpse into its luminous future in the city.
Air India pilot aborts flight just before take-off from Delhi to Kolkata due to technical snag
NEW DELHI: An Air India flight carrying 160-plus passengers from Delhi to Kolkata was steered back to its starting point by the pilots just before take-off on Monday evening due to a techical glitch. The passengers were deplaned and the flight is expected to take-off by late night. Flight No AI 2403 was taxiing for take-off from Terminal 3s runway at 5.51 pm when the incident happened. The flight, an Airbus 321 Neo model was running 20 minutes behind its scheduled time. According to an airport source, The flight rejected take-off -- which means the pilot decided to vacate the runway after the pushback due to some technical issue. Confirming the incident, Air India in a statement said, Flight AI2403 operating from Delhi to Kolkata on 21 July has been rescheduled to depart later this evening, necessitated by a technical issue detected during the take-off roll. The cockpit crew decided to discontinue the take-off, following Standard Operating Procedures. All passengers have disembarked and our ground colleagues in Delhi are extending support to them. AI 2403 returned along its runway path and then headed to the taxiway and returned to the parking bay. The flight is expected to take-off around 9.30 pm on Monday, four hours behind its scheduled start time. This marks a series of flights of Air India suffering technical problems before or after take-off within the last seven weeks. On May 31, a Delhi to Singapore Air India flight (AI 2382) was aborted twice before take-off due to a techncial glitch with passengers stuck inside flight for four hours before they were deplaned. On June 17, an Air India Express Boeing flight (IX 1113) from Delhi to Ranchi, developed a technical issue midair and returned to the Indira Gandhi international Airport. On June 15, an Air India flight (AI 819) from Delhi to Vadodara returned to Delhi after technical issues immediately after take-off.
Residents of Gujarat's Vadodara were left shocked to discover a giant crocodile crawling across the Narhari Vishwamitri Bridge Road.
Vadodara teacher gets six months in jail for slapping student, fined Rs 1 lakh
A Vadodara court sentenced Jasbirsinh Chauhan, a private tutor, to six months in jail and a 1 lakh fine for physically assaulting a Class 10 student in 2019. The student suffered serious ear injuries after Chauhan repeatedly slapped him for missing classes. The parents witnessed the assault, leading to a police complaint and subsequent conviction after a lengthy legal battle.
Corporal punishment gets Gujarat private tutor 6 months jail, Rs 1 lakh fine
In Vadodara, a private tutor, Jasbirsinh Chauhan, received a six-month jail sentence and a 1 lakh fine for severely injuring a 15-year-old student. Chauhan repeatedly slapped the boy, causing torn eardrums and bleeding, after the student missed classes. The father, Tejas Bhatt, filed a complaint leading to Chauhan's arrest in January 2020. The court convicted Chauhan after extensive legal proceedings.
Gujarat closes five Narmada canal bridges citing safety risks after Vadodara bridge collapse
Authorities have also restricted heavy vehicle movement on four bridges and listed 36 others for urgent repairs
Following the Mujpur-Gambhira bridge collapse in Vadodara, officials built a brick barrier to prevent accidents. Ironically, the barrier trapped rescue vehicles. The bridge collapsed on July 9, resulting in 20 deaths. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel approved a new two-lane bridge project costing Rs 212 crore. The new bridge aims to restore connectivity between central Gujarat and Saurashtra within 18 months.
J&K Referees complete National Taekwondo course in Gujarat
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, July 15: In a significant achievement for Taekwondo in Jammu & Kashmir, five Referees from the Union Territory have successfully completed the National Taekwondo Referee Course conducted by India Taekwondo from July 10 to 13, at Wagodia Sports Complex, Vadodara, Gujarat. The certified Referees include Amit Kumar (Jammu), Ashaq Hussain (Poonch), Siddharth Sharma (Udhampur), Sumit Kumar (Jammu) and Kashif Iqbal (Doda). The four-day course focused on updated Kyorugi and Poomsae rules through theoretical and practical sessions [] The post J&K Referees complete National Taekwondo course in Gujarat appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada Among Fastest-growing Non-metro Hubs
Healthcare and pharma companies like Dr Reddy's Laboratories, Laurus Labs Ltd, Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd and Sun Pharma are creating opportunities in Vishakhapatnam and Vadodara, while HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank are accelerating the growth of financial services in Raipur, Agra and Jodhpur.
Miraculous escape for eight people as bridge slab collapses in Gujarats Junagadh amid repairs
AHMEDABAD: Just days after the Gambhira bridge collapse between Vadodara and Anand claimed 21 lives, Gujarat has been jolted by another alarming bridge mishap this time in Junagadhs Mangrol taluka. In Ajak village, a portion of a dilapidated bridge gave way, plunging over eight people and a breaker machine into the river from a height. Miraculously, all were rescued without fatalities. Even as panic spread, the Junagadh District Executive Engineer claimed, the bridge hadnt collapsed but was being safely dismantled. In yet another bridge-related scare in Gujarat on Tuesday, a portion of the Ajak village bridge in Junagadhs Mangrol taluka collapsed during ongoing repair work, narrowly avoiding a major tragedy. The bridge, a crucial link between Keshod and Madhavpur and frequented by thousands of vehicles daily, gave way while a breaker machine was operating on it, sending the machine and eight to ten people standing on the slab plunging nearly 15 feet into the river below. Though the collapse caused a loud crash and panic among onlookers, all individuals involved escaped without serious injuries. A video of the dramatic incident has since gone viral, capturing the sheer chaos and fear as the slab crumbled in seconds. Local residents are furious, alleging that the repair work was carried out recklessly and without adequate safety measures. This is a public road with heavy daily traffic. Peoples lives are being risked without basic precautions or planning, said a villager, slamming the administrations negligence. Responding to the criticism, Junagadh District Panchayats Executive Engineer, Abhishek Gohil, confirmed that the bridge was indeed found to be in a dilapidated state during an inspection by the Road & Building Department. The old bridge near Mangrol was not damaged or broken it was deliberately demolished as a safety measure. During the slab removal process, a portion of it collapsed, but thankfully, no one was injured. Gohil clarified. Junagadh District Collector Anil Ranavasia added that the 10-meter-long bridge, divided into two spans, had already been closed to vehicular traffic two days ago. This bridge was flagged for demolition and reconstruction. Warning boards were placed on both sides. The slab collapsed due to the load of the equipment like JCB, but the area had already been sealed off, In fact, the bridge wasnt fell, it was intentionally demolished. Ranavasia told the media. He also noted that following the recent bridge collapse in Gambhira, inspections of over 480 bridges across the district had been conducted in the past five days, resulting in six being shut down for safety reasons. The administration maintains that Ajaks bridge was under supervised demolition not a spontaneous collapse but public anger over repeated infrastructure failures continues to rise.
Miraculous escape for 8 people as bridge slab collapses in Gujarats Junagadh amid repairs
AHMEDABAD: Just days after the Gambhira bridge collapse between Vadodara and Anand claimed 21 lives, Gujarat has been jolted by another alarming bridge mishap this time in Junagadhs Mangrol taluka. In Ajak village, a portion of a dilapidated bridge gave way, plunging over eight people and a breaker machine into the river from a height. Miraculously, all were rescued without fatalities. Even as panic spread, the Junagadh District Executive Engineer claimed, the bridge hadnt collapsed but was being safely dismantled. In yet another bridge-related scare in Gujarat on Tuesday, a portion of the Ajak village bridge in Junagadhs Mangrol taluka collapsed during ongoing repair work, narrowly avoiding a major tragedy. The bridge, a crucial link between Keshod and Madhavpur and frequented by thousands of vehicles daily, gave way while a breaker machine was operating on it, sending the machine and eight to ten people standing on the slab plunging nearly 15 feet into the river below. Though the collapse caused a loud crash and panic among onlookers, all individuals involved escaped without serious injuries. A video of the dramatic incident has since gone viral, capturing the sheer chaos and fear as the slab crumbled in seconds. Local residents are furious, alleging that the repair work was carried out recklessly and without adequate safety measures. This is a public road with heavy daily traffic. Peoples lives are being risked without basic precautions or planning, said a villager, slamming the administrations negligence. Responding to the criticism, Junagadh District Panchayats Executive Engineer, Abhishek Gohil, confirmed that the bridge was indeed found to be in a dilapidated state during an inspection by the Road & Building Department. The old bridge near Mangrol was not damaged or broken it was deliberately demolished as a safety measure. During the slab removal process, a portion of it collapsed, but thankfully, no one was injured. Gohil clarified. Junagadh District Collector Anil Ranavasia added that the 10-meter-long bridge, divided into two spans, had already been closed to vehicular traffic two days ago. This bridge was flagged for demolition and reconstruction. Warning boards were placed on both sides. The slab collapsed due to the load of the equipment like JCB, but the area had already been sealed off, In fact, the bridge wasnt fell, it was intentionally demolished. Ranavasia told the media. He also noted that following the recent bridge collapse in Gambhira, inspections of over 480 bridges across the district had been conducted in the past five days, resulting in six being shut down for safety reasons. The administration maintains that Ajaks bridge was under supervised demolition not a spontaneous collapse but public anger over repeated infrastructure failures continues to rise.
Here are five charts to help you understand key stories of the week
Gujarat government sanctions new bridge parallel to collapsed structure in Vadodara
AHMEDABAD : 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. 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. The old bridge near Gambhira village was a key link between central Gujarat and Saurashtra. 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. 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. R&B Department's superintending engineer NV Rathva said the existing two-lane Mujpur approach road will 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. The chief minister has approved administrative sanction of Rs 212 crore for these works, he said. 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.
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel approves 212 crore for new bridge over Mahi River after Vadodara collapse
The new bridge will be built parallel to the collapsed structure and will connect Padra and Anklav
Gujarat Bridge Collapse: Search For Lone Missing Person Continues In Mahisagar River
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 Wednesday
Watch | Structural failure, ignored warnings: Why Vadodaras bridge collapsed
Vadodara bridge collapse: Search operation continues for fourth day; death toll rises to 20
Officials stated that, in addition to searching for the missing individual, they would also work on removing the collapsed bridges main slab and submerged vehicles from the river
From NSA Ajit Doval talking about Operation Sindoor, to the Congress and BJP trading charges over ECs special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar to latest updates on the Air India plane crash, we take a look at the top headlines of the day in this edition of the Hindus Newswrap.
