Ahmedabad: Safety concerns have prompted Ahmedabad police to restrict access to one of the city’s vital crossings across the Sabarmati, the Shastri Bridge. Police commissioner G S Malik issued a formal notification banning heavy and medium vehicles after inspectors found significant damage to the bridge’s bearings and pedestals. While the structure is no longer deemed safe for massive loads, cars and two-wheelers are still permitted to use the bridge.The restrictions are expected to last for nearly a year to allow for extensive engineering repairs. It specifically targets the left-side bridge for commuters travelling from Pirana Junction toward Vishala Junction. This 24×7 ban covers a 4-km stretch, including the bridge and 500-m approach zones on both ends. According to the official notification, these drastic measures are necessary to facilitate urgent repairs by the National Highways Division and to prevent a potential structural failure. Commuters should settle in for a long haul, as the order is set to remain in force until Jan 8, 2027.To keep the city moving, the police have mapped out extensive detours. Vehicles arriving from Lambha, Jashodanagar, or the Baroda Expressway must now navigate through the Pirana dumping yard and Calico Mill to reach the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Bridge. Similarly, traffic from the Sarkhej and Juhapura side is being rerouted through Vasna and Anjali crossroads to bypass the weakened Shastri corridor.
