Bridge constructed over river in Bihar collapses, probe ordered

The bridge built over the Burhi Gandak river collapsed on Sunday, with officials pointing out substandard construction works in the state

An inquiry has been ordered into the collapse of a yet-to-be-inaugurated bridge in Begusarai district of Bihar, an official said on Tuesday.

The bridge built over the Burhi Gandak river collapsed in the early hours of Sunday bringing the spotlight on sub-standard construction works in the state, he said.

Begusarai District Magistrate Roshan Kushwaha said the bridge, a portion of which gave way and crashed into the river, had developed cracks a few days earlier.

"The bridge, built at a cost of around ₹13.48 crore, by a local construction company, was yet to be formally inaugurated. It was, however, in use by pedestrians, and plying of small vehicles was also allowed,” the DM said.

Cracks were noticed on Friday in a portion that linked two pillars of the bridge following which plying of vehicles was suspended and the department concerned was sounded off, he said.

"Our worst fears came true on Sunday when the portion of the bridge crashed into the river. Thankfully, nobody suffered physical harm when the huge chunk fell into the river," Mr. Kushwaha said.

The incident has, however, resulted in great inconvenience to residents of Sahebpur Kamal block, who now have to take a boat ride or cover a distance of more than 20 km, taking a circuitous route via the adjoining district of Khagaria.