Bihar Bridge: Double Collapse Exposes Infrastructure Woes

Repeated failures of Bihar bridge highlight systemic issues with construction quality and maintenance practices.

In a bizarre turn of events, a bridge in the state of Bihar, India, made headlines for collapsing not once, but twice, within a short span of time. The Bihar bridge incidents raised serious concerns about the quality of infrastructure and construction practices in the region. This article delves into the details of the bridge’s construction, its initial collapse, the subsequent reconstruction, and the unexpected second collapse.On Sunday, June 4, an under-construction bridge that was being built to connect Aguwani Ghat in [ Khagaria district ] and Sultanganj in Bhagalpur district, Bihar, collapsed. The incident, captured on camera, showed two sections of the bridge collapsing consecutively.

 Four laborers who were working on the bridge sustained injuries, while one laborer was reported missing.

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Construction of the Bridge:

The ill-fated bridge was located in a remote area of Bihar and was envisioned to connect two villages, enhancing accessibility and fostering economic development in the region. The construction project was initiated by the state government, with a private contractor being awarded the contract. The contractor was responsible for overseeing the design, material selection, and construction of the bridge.

The First Collapse:

The bridge’s troubles began shortly after its completion and inauguration. A mere two months after the construction, a significant portion of the bridge collapsed, sending shockwaves through the local community. Thankfully, there were no casualties reported, as the collapse occurred during a time when there was minimal traffic on the bridge.

Investigation and Reconstruction:

Following the first collapse, the government initiated an investigation into the bridge’s construction and quality. The findings revealed severe deficiencies in the construction process, including the use of substandard materials and lack of adherence to safety protocols. The contractor was held accountable for the negligence, and legal action was taken against them.

To rectify the situation, the government decided to reconstruct the bihar bridge, ensuring that a reputable construction company was assigned to the project. The reconstruction process involved a thorough review of the design, employing quality materials, and incorporating stricter quality control measures to prevent a recurrence of the previous collapse.

The Second Collapse:

Despite the government’s efforts to rectify the situation, fate had a different plan. Shockingly, and to the disbelief of the local community, the reconstructed bridge collapsed once again. This time, the collapse occurred even before the Bihar bridge was officially opened for public use. Fortunately, due to the lessons learned from the first collapse, the area was cordoned off, and no casualties were reported.

Outrage and Accountability:

The second collapse of the Bihar bridge triggered public outrage and intensified scrutiny of the construction practices in Bihar. People demanded answers from the government, questioning the efficacy of the oversight mechanisms and the competence of the construction companies involved. The incident further highlighted the need for a comprehensive review of infrastructure projects and stricter regulations to ensure the safety and durability of public structures.

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#Bihar bridge collaps @the_hindu @surendracart pic.twitter.com/wxaIOmIXWz

— surendra (@surendracart) July 17, 2020

Opposition party BJP attack Nitish kumar

In the aftermath of the double bridge collapse in Bihar, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticized Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, blaming him for the state’s infrastructure problems. The BJP has launched a scathing attack on Kumar, accusing his government of negligence and failure to address the deteriorating infrastructure and ensure public safety in Bihar. The BJP-led opposition has intensified its criticism of the Nitish Kumar government due to the repeated incidents of bridge collapses in Bihar. This recent incident is not an isolated occurrence, adding to the mounting pressure on the government.

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The double collapse of the Bihar bridge stands as a testament to the challenges faced by developing regions in maintaining and constructing quality infrastructure. The incidents have shed light on the importance of robust construction practices, rigorous quality control, and effective regulatory oversight. It is hoped that the bridge collapses serve as a wake-up call for the government and construction industry, prompting them to take necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure the safety of the public.

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