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Gambhira bridge collapse: Industrial units in Padra announces relief to workers travelling from Anand

While some have put workers on general shift or plan to increase travel allowance, others brought relaxation in attendance

A section of the bridge over the Mahisagar river had given way, leading to a number of vehicles falling in the water. (Express photo)

As villagers in Anand district, who work at industrial units in Vadodara’s Padra taluka, have been facing issues in commuting to work following the Mujpur-Gambhira bridge collapse, these units have assured relief in terms of shifts and timings to its workers.

On July 10, The Indian Express reported how the bridge over Mahi was a lifeline for over 40 years for the residents of Gambhira and other villages in Anand district, saving them the trouble of having to travel an extra 70 km to the factories of Vadodara on the other side. After the bridge collapse, however, they were staring at an uncertain future.

The state government on Tuesday announced that “considering the difficulties faced by the workers due to the collapse of the Mujpur-Gambhira bridge, the employing companies are taking relief measures following the intervention of the district industries centre and the labour department of the state government”.

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While some companies have decided to start their own transportation facilities, some have agreed to increase the vehicle allowance of their workers, the announcement from the state government also said.

There are around 53 industrial units operating in Padra taluka on the Vadodara side of the Mahi river. Government records stated that the number of workers travelling from Anand to these units stands at around 4,000.

The state government further said that some companies have also announced relaxation in attendance for their workers. For example, instead of 25 days a month, workers of some companies are now required to be present for 22 days. In addition, companies have also decided to put workers, who take the Anand route, on general shifts. Some companies are also considering increasing the transportation allowance for their employees.

“After the bridge collapse, considering the transportation difficulties faced by the workers, the District Industries Center and the Labor Department intervened with the relevant companies. Through which, relief decisions have been taken by the companies for the workers. Many companies have instructed their contractors to arrange private vehicles. Most companies have arranged transportation for their workers. Relaxation in working hours has been given due to changing routes,” the statement issued by the state government said.

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The state government further said that apart from this, some companies have also announced relaxation in attendance for their workers. For example, instead of 25 days a month, workers of some companies are now required to be present for 22 days. In addition, companies have also decided to put workers, who take the Anand route, on general shifts. Some companies are considering increasing the transportation allowance for their employees.

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