Families of the victims of the Mahisagar river bridge collapse in Gujarat recently met with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to seek justice and support. The bridge, located on the Gambhira-Mujpur stretch in Padra taluka of Vadodara, collapsed earlier this month, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.

During the meeting, the families expressed their grief and anger over the incident, alleging negligence and corruption on the part of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government led to the tragedy. They claimed that the bridge had been neglected for a long time, despite warnings about its deteriorating condition. The families also voiced their dissatisfaction with the financial assistance provided to them, deeming it inadequate.

Rahul Gandhi listened to the concerns of the families and assured them of his full support in their quest for justice. He stated that the Congress party would stand by them and fight for their rights. Gandhi also promised to raise the issue in Parliament and hold the government accountable for its failures.

The Mahisagar river bridge collapse occurred on July 9, 2025, when a section of the Gambhira-Mujpur bridge crumbled, causing several vehicles to plunge into the river below. The incident resulted in the deaths of at least 11 people, with several others injured. Rescue operations were immediately launched by local authorities, with assistance from fire brigade teams, police, and members of the Vadodara district administration. Locals also joined in the rescue efforts, helping to extract the injured from the wreckage.

The bridge was a crucial link between central Gujarat and Saurashtra, serving as a vital route for commuters traveling between Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, and Ankleshwar. Its collapse has disrupted transportation in the region and caused significant inconvenience to the public.

Following the incident, the Gujarat government announced an investigation into the cause of the collapse. Initial reports suggested that the collapse was due to structural failure. The government also announced compensation for the families of the deceased and the injured.

The Mahisagar bridge collapse is not an isolated incident. Gujarat has witnessed several similar bridge collapses in recent years, raising concerns about the quality of infrastructure and maintenance in the state. In October 2022, a British-era suspension bridge over the Machchhu river in Morbi collapsed, killing over 135 people. In June 2023, a newly constructed bridge on the Mindhola river in Tapi district also collapsed, although there were no casualties.

These incidents have prompted calls for greater accountability and transparency in the construction and maintenance of bridges in Gujarat. Opposition parties have accused the government of turning a blind eye to the issue and demanded a thorough review of all bridges in the state. The Congress party has been particularly vocal in its criticism of the government, alleging that corruption and negligence are to blame for the repeated bridge collapses.