Gujarat ACB Probes R&B Officials’ Assets in Wake of Gambhira Bridge Collapse

Vadodara— The Gujarat Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has launched an investigation into the disproportionate assets of Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department officials linked to the tragic collapse of the Gambhira Bridge in Padra, Vadodara district. The probe follows the catastrophic incident on July 9, 2025, which claimed multiple lives when a section of the 40-year-old bridge gave way, sending vehicles into the Mahisagar River.

The inquiry was initiated after the state government identified lapses in the maintenance of the bridge, which connects Vadodara and Anand districts. Sandesh reported that the ACB is scrutinizing the financial records of R&B officials to determine if any illicit wealth accumulation contributed to the neglect of the bridge’s upkeep. The investigation aims to uncover whether corruption played a role in the failure to address the structure’s known deterioration, as alleged by local residents.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered a high-level probe into the incident, with a team of technical experts tasked to examine the collapse’s causes. The government has already suspended four R&B officials, and the ACB’s investigation is expected to complement these actions by focusing on potential financial misconduct. Sandesh highlighted that bridge samples have been collected as part of the ongoing technical investigation to ascertain the reasons behind the structural failure.

ALSO READ : Rajkot ST Division To Run Extra 50 Buses From July 25 For Shravan Month

The Gambhira Bridge, a critical link between central Gujarat and Saurashtra, had been flagged for its poor condition prior to the collapse, with locals claiming their repeated warnings were ignored. The ACB’s probe underscores the state’s commitment to addressing accountability in the wake of the tragedy, which has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for infrastructure audits across Gujarat.