BHAGALPUR: A part of a bridge over the Ganga in Bihar under construction for over 10 years gave way Saturday, taking the dubious tally of the state’s bridge collapses since June this year to 18.
No one was harmed when the iron superstructure of the four-lane Sultanganj (Bhagalpur)-Aguani Ghat (Khagaria) fell into the overflowing river. But this was the third time a part of the same bridge collapsed in a little over two years, embarrassing the Nitish Kumar-led state govt and adding to concerns about the Rs 1,710-crore project’s quality.
CM Nitish had laid its foundation in 2014, aiming to connect Bhagalpur with Khagaria and reduce travel time between several districts in north and south Bihar.
On Saturday, the iron superstructure, fitted between pillars 9 and 10 of the bridge, gave way around 7am, Sultanganj circle officer (CO) Ravi Kumar. “The mishap took place at the same location where pillars had collapsed in June 2023. Some debris from the 2023 collapse had been cleared to ensure river passage,” the Kumar said. There was no word from Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam Ltd (BRPNNL), which is building the bridge.
Sources said the collapsed iron structure was part of the damaged portion from the 2023 mishap, was scheduled for removal but gave way due to pressure from the overflowing river.
Lalit Narayan Mandal, the local Sultanganj MLA from Nitish’s JD(U), said he would seek information about the collapse from officials of the govt, BRPNNL and others.
A part of the upcoming bridge first fell during a storm on April 27, 2022, delaying the project. A loose cable strand was believed to be the cause then, though some had blamed poor construction. The second collapse took place on June 4, 2023, when slabs from several pillars came off and fell into the river.
Originally projected for completion by March 2020, the bridge is now delayed by over four years. The 3.16km bridge, once completed, will be the sixth over the Ganga in Bihar, and the second across the river in Bhagalpur district. The approach roads to the bridge, on both ends, stretch 20km, making the entire span 23km.