NMC Gandhibagh zone initiates structural audit of 30 bridges after state directives
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Nagpur: Acting on a state govt directive, the Gandhibagh zone of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has initiated the process of conducting a structural audit of 30 bridges and culverts built over the city's Nag River and various nullahs.
Most of these structures, located in Prabhag 18, 19, and 22, are decades old, with many reportedly in urgent need of repair.
A senior official from the zone told TOI that the bridges, some of which are narrow slab-type crossings, have not undergone comprehensive assessments for years. "Most were constructed long ago and may not meet current safety standards. We're prioritising locations that witness heavy pedestrian or vehicular traffic," the official said.
The initiative comes after the Maharashtra govt's urban development department (UDD) issued a Government Resolution (GR) on June 30, mandating all urban local bodies (ULBs) to carry out structural audits of every bridge and building under their jurisdiction. The move follows a series of incidents across the state, including the tragic Kundmala bridge collapse in Pune and structural failures in Nagpur itself — such as cracks found in Butibori bridge last December and the partial collapse of Panchasheel bridge in 2023.
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Responding to the GR, NMC floated a quotation notice inviting empanelled structural engineers to carry out audits and prepare assessment reports for bridges in Gandhibagh Zone. These include important locations such as Zenda Chowk, Reshimbagh near Navbharat School, Umred Road near Hanuman Mandir, and Siraspeth's Great Nag Road petrol pump. The list also features nullah crossings in congested localities like Gondipura, Chitnis Park, and Nababpura.
The sale of quotation forms began on July 24 and will close on July 31, with physical submissions accepted until 5pm the same day. The forms cost Rs590, inclusive of GST, and the quotations will be opened on August 1 at the office of the executive engineer, Zone-6.
The GR emphasises the urgency of structural audits, especially in areas with high footfall or ageing infrastructure. It holds ULBs accountable for ensuring the safety of civic structures built with either state or municipal funds. The audits are expected to prevent accidents, enable timely repairs, and ensure public safety in vulnerable areas.
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