Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each for the next of kin of those who died in the Gambhira bridge collapse in Gujarat’s Vadodara district, and ₹50,000 for the injured. The funds will be disbursed from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
In a message shared by the Prime Minister’s Office on X, PM Modi expressed his condolences: “The loss of lives due to the collapse of a bridge in Vadodara district, Gujarat, is deeply saddening. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.”
The bridge collapse occurred early Wednesday morning in Padra, on a span of the Gambhira Bridge over the Mahisagar River, which connects the districts of Vadodara and Anand.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed grief and ordered an immediate investigation.
“The tragedy caused by the collapse of one of the 23 spans of the Gambhira Bridge is heartbreaking. I pray for the peace of the souls of the deceased,” he posted on X.
CM Patel directed that the injured receive priority medical care and confirmed that rescue efforts were underway with support from the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC), local fire brigade teams, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
“Rescue operations using boats and swimmers are ongoing at the site, and the NDRF has also joined the operation,” he said.
To determine the cause of the collapse, a technical investigation has been launched. The Road Construction Department has deployed the Chief Engineers of Design and South Gujarat, along with two private bridge construction experts, to conduct a preliminary on-site inspection and submit a detailed report.
Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi confirmed the recovery of nine bodies and said six individuals had been rescued.
“The bridge collapse occurred at 7 AM today. So far, nine people have died, and several injured have been taken to hospitals,” he told reporters.
He added that a high-level committee had been sent to the site by the Chief Minister and that strict action would be taken based on the findings.
Rescue efforts continue as authorities assess the damage and search for possible survivors.