Bihar: New Bridge Falls Through Even Before Inauguration

PATNA: A RCC bridge constructed with a budget of Rs 14 Cr in the Bengusarai district of Bihar collapsed on December 18, Sunday, even before it was ready to take vehicles.

According to reports, a bridge was constructed over the Burhi Gandak river in the Sahebpur Kamal region of the Bengusarai district of Bihar. It was funded under a special scheme by the state government with an expenditure of Rs 14 Cr. The project was executed by a firm named Maa Bhagwati Constructions.

Although the bridge was constructed five years back, the approach was not created yet, so it remained unused for a large majority. Occasionally tractors and motorcycles have been said to have used this bridge. Reports mention that land acquisition was the hurdle in the way of the completion of the approach roads, thus putting the bridge project in limbo since its construction.

Local people had mentioned that the bridge had developed cracks on one of the 25-meter stretches. Authorities with the state rural works department have sent a team of specialists to investigate the damages, but the stretch collapsed before any action could be taken. The usage of poor quality concrete is cited as the main reason for the collapse of this bridge.No people were around as it was a Sunday so thankfully no one was injured in this accident.

Reports suggest some design flaws as well as the lack of proper construction equipment in the project. Also, a conflict was reported between the local villagers as well as the members of the construction firm during the construction period. Following this, the locals had thrown a road roller vehicle into the river. One of the three cranes used during the construction was also damaged while retrieving the vehicle from the river.

Whatever the reason, it remains to see what steps are being taken correct the mistake.

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