Infrastructural Issues in India

GS3 – Infrastructure

Context:

The Gambhira Bridge collapse over the Mahi River near Padra in Gujarat’s Vadodara district has raised concerns over structural integrity and infrastructural oversight in India.

Key Challenges in India’s Infrastructure

1. Lack of Regular Maintenance and Audits
   • Infrequent post-renovation checks and weak maintenance protocols.
   • Example: Morbi Bridge collapse due to failure of regular audits.
2. Absence of Real-Time Structural Monitoring
   • No real-time monitoring systems to detect stress or damage.
   • Example: Aguwani-Sultanganj bridge failed due to lack of supervision and delayed response.
3. Engineering Flaws and Overloading
   • Poor structural design, insufficient load assessments, and rushed execution.
   • Example: Nagpur flyover collapse from inadequate engineering checks.
4. Legal and Regulatory Overlaps
   • No unified, codified national standards.
   • Multiple agencies involved: MoRTH, State PWDs, Central PWD, ULBs, leading to coordination failure.

Way Forward

• Routine Visual Inspections:
  Every 6–12 months for early detection of rust, cracks, or seepage.
• Vibration Sensors:
  Install vibration monitors to detect internal stress and fatigue in real-time.
• Load Monitoring:
  Deploy weigh-in-motion sensors to prevent overloading, especially on old structures.
• Digital Health Tracking:
  Long-term structural health monitoring systems for critical bridges and flyovers.
• Codified Standards:
  Develop and enforce uniform infrastructural codes across states and sectors.