New Delhi – Repeated bridge collapses across the country have highlighted serious concerns regarding citizens’ safety. Against this backdrop, ‘Surajya Abhiyan’, an initiative of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, has submitted a crucial memorandum to the Central Government. The memorandum demands that a ‘structural audit’ be made mandatory for all bridges in the country, and that a digital health card system for bridges be implemented at the national level.
This memorandum has been sent to Union Ministers Shri. Nitin Gadkari (Road Transport and Highways), Shri. Manohar Lal Khattar (Housing and Urban Affairs), and Shri. Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Rural Development and Agriculture).
Shri. Abhishek Murkute, Maharashtra State Coordinator of Surajya Abhiyan, underlined the need for a nationwide policy in this regard.
Maharashtra and Bihar can serve as exemplary models
The memorandum notes that on 30 June 2025, the Maharashtra Government issued a Government Resolution making it compulsory for all municipal councils, municipal corporations, and local self-governing bodies to conduct structural audits and ensure maintenance of all bridges within their jurisdiction.
Bihar, on the other hand, has become the first state in the country to implement a digital ‘Health Card system’ for bridges for more than 3,500 structures, using Artificial Intelligence (AI), sensor-based data, and QR code technology. This system has enabled systematic assessment of bridge condition and maintenance requirements.
Safe bridges mean a safe Bharat
The memorandum points out that Bharat currently has an estimated 1,60,000 bridges; however, comprehensive safety assessments have not yet been conducted for many of them. In such a situation, making structural verification and digital monitoring compulsory can help prevent future collapses and protect billions of rupees invested in essential infrastructure.
Centre must act immediately
Surajya Abhiyan emphasised in its memorandum that implementing this initiative will be decisive for bridge safety in the country and for long-term infrastructure development. Prioritising public safety, the Central Government should urgently formulate a national policy.
News reports regarding Bihar’s ‘Health Card’ system for bridges and the Maharashtra Government’s Government Resolution on ‘Structural Audit’ have been attached as evidence along with the memorandum.
