India’s rapid infrastructure expansion is being overshadowed by an alarming rise in bridge collapses – turning symbols of connectivity into sites of tragedy. From century-old structures worn down by time to new constructions failing within years, the failures reflect more than structural fatigue; they reveal systemic lapses in design, auditing and governance. As lives are lost and public trust erodes, experts are calling for urgent reforms to ensure that the nation’s drive to build does not come at the cost of safety. 

Tragedy struck again in Gujarat with the collapse of the 40-year-old Gambhira Bridge, a vital link between Central and South Gujarat and Saurashtra. Built in 1986 at a cost of Rs 343 lakh by the UP State Bridge Construction Company, the nearly 900-m-long structure with 23 piers was expected to last a century. Despite repeated warnings from local leaders – some even predicting that the bridge would not survive another year – no preventive action was taken...