Vehicles stranded in 20-km traffic jam near Golden Bridge

BHARUCH: When Rajesh Patanwadiya, a businessman landed at Vadodara airport on Thursday morning, little did he know that his onward journey to Surat by road would be his worst-ever. Patanwadiya started from Vadodara around 11 am and it took him frustrating nine hours to reach Surat, thanks to the 20-km-long traffic jam on both sides of the Golden Bridge over Narmada river.
Worst still, it's almost a week now that vehicles, including trucks, cars, buses are stranded in the traffic snarl and moving at a snail's pace.
The situation is so bad that people are preferring to travel by train instead of taking their own vehicle.
"There is a massive increase in the number of train commuters between Bharuch and Ankleshwar," said Ishwar Shah, a daily commuter.
After an agitation by Bharuch Citizen Council and other social organizations last month, the union ministry of road and surface transport removed toll tax collection at Zadeshwar toll plaza till old Sardar bridge is made operational for heavy vehicles.
According to National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) officials, the repair work is almost over and testing is going on at the bridge. "It is expected that bridge will be operational by December 18 and there would be some relief for commuters," said an official.
Two days ago, the queue of vehicles extended till Palej, which is 20 km from Bharuch on NH 8. The traffic of light vehicles was diverted to Golden Bridge resulting in the massive jam.
Rakesh Dhanani, who was stuck between Bharuch and Ankleshwar on Friday, for two hours called TOI and said, "The traffic on one side was closed for over half an hour as some minister was going towards Bharuch from Ankleshwar. The minister's Innova car along with police pilot jeep overtook all vehicles and took the wrong side. There were more than 300 cars in the line Where is the law?"
Jivraj Patel of Bharuch Citizen Council said, "We are planning for a massive agitation and campaign to sensitize state and central government. We can't wait till new bridge comes up and need an interim solution of temporary floating bridge like the ones created on Ganges river during Kumbh."
Dr Nilesh Desai, a physician and his friends have started a campaign to demand an alternate bridge near Golden Bridge. They are garnering support by asking citizens to give a missed call on 9099667169 or send and email to newgoldenbridge@outlook.com.