Under-Construction Bridge Collapse Raises Safety Concerns in Bihar

A portion of an under-construction bridge in Bihar's Patna district collapsed on Sunday night. No injuries were reported. The bridge, part of the 'Bakhtiyarpur-Tajpur Ganga Mahasetu' project, aims to reduce traffic congestion. This incident follows a series of bridge collapses in the region.

A portion of an under-construction bridge collapsed in Bihar's Patna district, an official said on Monday. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the incident, which took place on Sunday night.

This incident adds to a growing list of over a dozen bridge and causeway collapses in various parts of Bihar in recent times. The Bakhtiyarpur-Tajpur Ganga Mahasetu project is overseen by the Bihar State Road Development Corporation Ltd (BSRDCL).

According to BSRDCL Chief General Manager Prabin Chandra Gupta, the accident occurred during the replacement of bearings for the bridge's girders. One of the girders gave way while being placed on a pillar. Gupta confirmed that this was a routine procedure and that an inspection is underway.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar initiated the 5.57-kilometre-long Bakhtiyarpur-Tajpur Ganga Mahasetu project in June 2011 with an estimated cost of Rs 1,602.74 crore. The bridge is designed to connect National Highway 28 in Samastipur and NH 31 in Patna, aiming to alleviate traffic pressure on the Mahatma Gandhi Setu in Patna and Rajendra Setu in Mokama.

Patna District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh stated that the girder fell on the Bakhtiyarpur side during routine work. Upon completion, the bridge will also strengthen road connectivity between north and south Bihar.

(With inputs from agencies.)