An alternative to the EME Road, the bridge is to be laid at a cost of Rs 1.29 crore. Earlier, the EME had written a letter to the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) stating that it would close the EME Road for vehicular traffic from January 1, 2000.

Speaking on the occasion, Singh stated that it would be preferable if the city fathers co-ordinated with the MP and MLAs in the city's development. Singh remarked that if there is better co-ordination, the amount from the MP and MLAs' quotas could be utilised for most important work.

Making an observation about an open space near the bridge, Singh said it was here that a few years ago the then Governor laid the foundation stone of a town hall. The Government had promised financial assistance, but the town hall still hasn't come up, Singh said, adding that if the VMC could provide him necessary details he would take up the matter with the State Government and get the required amount. The Minister said that the best way of winning the hearts of the masses was by filling the missing links in the civic works.

In his address, Mayor Umakant Joshi said that the VMC had recently asked an Ahmedabad-based company to carry out a survey for widening two existing flyovers, constructing three new flyovers and widening six bridges on river Vishwamitri.

Those who remained present on the occasion included Labour and Employment Minister Bhupendra Lakhawala, Municipal Commissioner G R Aloria, office-bearers of the VMC and officers of the administrative wing.