The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has resolved to delay its previous decision to install height-restriction barriers on all the bridges and flyovers within the city, which was a clear U-turn from its recent safety announcement. The move has led to a discussion by the people, mainly because the move was initially suggested after serious concerns were raised about the structural safety of ageing bridges.
The height barrier plan was declared as a preventive measure because the defects were identified on major structures, such as the Subhash Bridge, and due to the recent bridge incidents in Gujarat that created a panic about the safety of infrastructure. This proposal was meant to avoid the passage of excessively high and heavy vehicles, which put an extra strain on the ageing bridges and may heighten the chances of damage or even collapse.
The AMC has, however, cleared this up since the implementation has been put on hold. Civic officials have said that the administration is not keen on making any irregular and blanket decision without a thorough technical evaluation of each bridge. Officials believe that the physical barriers placed without the right planning will cause traffic jams, disorientation among road users and transportation difficulties, particularly during the peak hours on major roads.
The other main factor that made the U-turn is the currently undertaken structural audit of the bridges in Ahmedabad in a comprehensive manner. Engineers and professionals are also checking on bridges to establish their capacity and limitations with regard to their load-bearing capacity, designs, and operating life. The government has resolved that safety should be based on the recommendations provided by experts and not the implementation of uniform restrictions in the entire city.
The officials of AMC highlighted that it was not a postponement, which indicated that nothing had been done about safety issues. On some ageing bridges, heavy vehicles are currently prohibited on a temporary basis, and where necessary, repair or strengthening is being done. The civic body has also promised to ensure that when technical reports are submitted, there will be bridge solutions (such as height bars where it is needed) which will be provided.
The decision has been celebrated by urban planners and traffic experts who observe that the emergency services, transport services and commercial traffic can be interfered with by poorly intended barriers. They have called on the AMC to be scientific and data-driven, which strikes a balance between safety and free-flowing traffic.
To the city residents, the move implies that the installation of height barriers will not be done immediately, but the safety of the bridge will remain under close watch. It is believed that the AMC will declare the final action plan once the checks and collaboration with the structural professionals are finished.
The episode emphasizes the issues of the urban administrations to deal with ageing infrastructure, and at the same time keep people safe without making them feel inconvenienced.
