Kolak River Bridge Reopens for Minibuses: Major Relief for Daily Commuters Minibus Service Restored on Kolak Bridge
A significant and long-awaited decision has brought major relief to daily commuters, workers, and students in Valsad district, as minibus services have now been officially allowed to operate over the Kolak River bridge. The move has been welcomed with widespread satisfaction, especially in tribal and rural areas that heavily depend on this route for daily travel. The reopening of the Kolak River bridge for minibuses is being seen as a crucial step toward easing transportation hardships that residents have faced for months.
The decision came after sustained representation by Dhansukh Patel, General Secretary of the Valsad Division ST Employees’ Union, who placed the matter before Kaprada MLA Jitubhai Chaudhary. Highlighting the daily struggles of commuters and students, Patel emphasized the urgent need to permit minibus movement over the Kolak River bridge. His appeal was based on ground realities, where people were forced to take long detours due to restrictions on the bridge. After reviewing the situation and local needs, the MLA approved the request, paving the way for immediate implementation.
The Kolak River bridge holds immense importance for surrounding tribal regions. It serves as a vital link for workers commuting daily to industrial hubs in Vapi, as well as students traveling to schools and colleges in Nanapondha, Motapondha, and nearby interior areas. When the bridge was closed to several categories of vehicles, commuters were compelled to travel significantly longer distances, increasing both travel time and expenses. For many daily wage workers and students, this added burden had a direct impact on their livelihoods and education.
With the approval now in place, minibus services from the Vapi ST Depot have been granted permission to use the Kolak River bridge starting immediately. All drivers and conductors have been informed that minibuses operating toward Dharampur, Ahwa, Kaprada, Pipalshet, Sutharpada, and Ghanveri will now travel via the Kolak bridge route. This change is expected to substantially reduce travel distance and time, making daily commutes more efficient and affordable for passengers.
The decision is particularly beneficial for early-morning and late-night commuters who often face limited transport options. Industrial workers heading to factories in Vapi during odd hours and students attending schools in remote tribal belts are among the biggest beneficiaries. Local residents have expressed that the resumption of minibus services on the Kolak River bridge will restore normalcy to their daily routines and reduce physical and financial stress.
However, the permission has been granted with specific conditions. The ST department has issued clear instructions to drivers and conductors to strictly follow safety norms while crossing the bridge. Officials have emphasized that there should be no complaints from passengers regarding safety, driving behavior, or service quality. Minibuses are allowed only under regulated conditions, and any violation of guidelines may lead to reconsideration of the decision.
The background to this cautious approach lies in the aftermath of the Gambhira bridge incident, which raised serious safety concerns across the region. Following that incident, authorities had imposed restrictions on several bridges, including the Kolak River bridge, especially for heavy vehicles. This led to fear and inconvenience among residents, as vital routes were suddenly cut off. After technical assessments and safety reviews, authorities decided to gradually reopen the Kolak bridge for lighter vehicles under controlled conditions.
Allowing minibuses is part of this phased reopening strategy. While heavy vehicles remain restricted, the introduction of minibus services is seen as a balanced decision that prioritizes public convenience without compromising safety. Officials believe that this approach addresses both transportation needs and structural safety concerns.
Local tribal communities, students, and daily commuters have welcomed the move wholeheartedly. Many residents have stated that the Kolak River bridge reopening has resolved a long-standing issue that affected thousands of people every day. Reduced travel time means students can reach schools more easily, workers can report to factories on time, and families can save on daily transport costs.
The decision has also been praised as an example of responsive governance, where representations from unions and public needs were acknowledged and acted upon. With minibus services resuming over the Kolak River bridge, hopes are high that further steps will be taken to improve connectivity and infrastructure in the region.
Overall, the restoration of minibus movement on the Kolak River bridge marks a major relief for Valsad district’s commuting population. It is expected to significantly improve daily travel, support education and employment, and bring much-needed ease to life in the surrounding tribal and rural areas.
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