“Surajbari (Hadakiya Creek) Bridge, Gujarat State Highway 6 towards Kutch. Photo by KartikMistry, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.” Hadakiya Creek Bridge (“Gateway of Kutch”), Gujarat
Client Context
The Surajbari Creek Bridge was a critical 2 km long highway link connecting Kutch with mainland Gujarat. The project involved precast prestressed I-girders erected using specialised launching equipment -Sicetin a highly tidal marine environment. Given its strategic importance for regional transportation and economic connectivity, the client-PWD,Gujarat required uninterrupted progress and timely completion.
On 26 January 2001, a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Kutch region. The epicentre was close to the project site, severely affecting the partially constructed bridge and demanding immediate restoration to maintain project continuity and regional access.
Challenges
- Severe Structural Damage:
All 37 erected spans were dislodged from bearings due to intense seismic vibrations. - Foundation & Superstructure Disturbance:
Bearing failure, breaking of seismic arrestors, developing the cracks, complete damage of newly constructed approach roads, washing out of temporary working jetty and displacement of precast girders. - Human & Operational Crisis:
Labour and staff camps collapsed; aftershocks continued for several weeks. - Unstable Working Environment:
High tidal variations, damaged equipment alignment, and continued seismic tremors. - Non-negotiable Project Delivery:
The bridge’s strategic importance mandated resumption of work with minimal time loss.
Our Approach
Immediate Emergency Response
- Led rescue, evacuation, and medical support for all workers.
- Secured hazardous zones and created temporary shelters for continuity of operations.
Technical Assessment (IS & IRC Code Based)
- Conducted structural inspections using relevant codes.
- Checked pier settlement, bearing integrity, girder alignment, and scour conditions.
Restoration Strategy & Execution
- Planned and executed precision jacking to realign dislodged spans.
- Repaired/replaced damaged bearings and reconstructed seismic barriers.
- Strengthened piers through grouting, stitching, and temporary bracing.
- Recalibrated and realigned launching equipment.
- Resumed erection of precast I-girders during aftershocks and tidal cycles under strict safety control.
Results
- Project completed ahead of the revised schedule despite catastrophic damage.
- Zero loss of life due to disciplined safety response.
- Full structural integrity restored, ensuring long-term performance of the bridge.
- Earned commendation from client and management for exceptional crisis leadership.
- Demonstrated capability to lead disaster recovery, troubleshoot major failures, and maintain progress even in extreme conditions.
