Ahmedabad, June 24 (AHN) Ahmedabad civic officials are weighing the complete reconstruction of the 53-year-old Subhash Bridge after a panel of leading bridge experts concluded that replacing the ageing structure would be the safest and most durable long-term solution.

Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani said on Wednesday that experts from IIT Roorkee, IIT Gandhinagar, renowned bridge specialist Mahesh Tandon and other experienced engineers had carried out a detailed technical assessment of the bridge across the Sabarmati river.

"Their findings indicated that the bridge's existing substructure and piers have reached an age where rebuilding the entire structure may offer greater long-term benefits than constructing a new superstructure on the old foundations," he added.

According to Pani, the experts found that retaining the existing substructure and piers while building a new superstructure could create technical limitations and challenges in achieving a design life of 100 years.

"All experts have unanimously expressed the opinion that if the existing old piers and superstructure are completely removed and replaced with a new structure, it will provide a safer, more durable and more effective long-term solution," he said.

The development comes more than six months after the bridge was closed to traffic as a precautionary measure following the detection of structural concerns.

The bridge constructed in 1973, which connects the Subhash Circle area with Shahibaug and serves as an important link between northern and central parts of Ahmedabad, was shut on December 4 last year after settlement was observed in a span above one of the piers and cracks appeared in a parapet section.

Detailed inspections were subsequently undertaken by structural experts and technical institutions.

Pani said the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation is now analysing the cost implications of the available options, the time required for implementation, the overall lifespan of the project and other technical considerations before arriving at a final decision.

He added that the Roads and Buildings Department would also examine the proposed design and undertake the necessary approval procedures.

"Based on the opinion of the experts, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation is currently analysing the difference in cost between both options, the time required for completion, the overall life of the project and other technical aspects," Pani said.

He added that the civic body was working to ensure that the city receives a safe and modern bridge at the earliest.

"Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation is carrying out expedited work at all levels so that the reconstruction of Subhash Bridge can be completed as soon as possible and the city can get a safe and modern bridge for the long term," he said.

The Municipal Commissioner said a final decision on the future of the bridge would be taken after the completion of technical studies and various analyses in the coming days.