Ahmedabad’s Hatkeshwar Bridge: Built for ₹42 Crore, Demolition to Cost ₹52 Crore

Ahmedabad, India – The Hatkeshwar Bridge in Ahmedabad, built in 2017 at a cost of ₹42 crore, is now set to be demolished at a staggering cost of ₹52 crore. The bridge, which was closed to traffic in 2022 due to its deteriorating condition, is a striking example of a failed infrastructure project. Just five years after its completion, the bridge has become structurally unsafe, forcing authorities to take it down.

Timeline of the Bridge’s Deterioration

Constructed by Ajay Infra in 2017, the Hatkeshwar Bridge was initially projected to have a lifespan of 100 years. However, only five years later, cracks and structural issues began to emerge, leading to a closure in 2022. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) conducted a stability test that confirmed the bridge was no longer safe for use.

Four Attempts to Secure a Demolition Contractor

Since 2022, the AMC has made multiple attempts to secure a contractor for the bridge's demolition. The first two tenders saw no interest from contractors. In the third attempt, a Maharashtra-based contractor initially showed interest but eventually withdrew. Finally, in the fourth round, Rajasthan’s Vishnuprasad Pungliya took on the ₹52 crore contract to demolish the bridge.

High Cost of Demolition

The demolition of Hatkeshwar Bridge is expected to begin in the next 15 days, with work orders already issued. The ₹52 crore demolition cost exceeds the original construction cost by ₹10 crore, adding to the public frustration over the project’s failure.

The case of Hatkeshwar Bridge has become a major point of contention for the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, as the bridge was expected to be a long-lasting piece of infrastructure. Its early deterioration and the costly demolition have raised questions about construction quality and accountability.

As demolition work proceeds, the city’s residents continue to grapple with the financial and logistical challenges posed by the failed project.