Major Collapse of 182-Metre Bridge in Bihar’s Araria District

June 19, 2024June 19, 2024

2 min read

Bridge Collapse in Sikti: A Setback for Bihar’s Infrastructure

Araria, Bihar — In a significant infrastructure setback, a major portion of a 182-metre bridge in Sikti, Araria district, collapsed on Tuesday afternoon. The bridge, constructed over the Bakra river, was built by private contractors at a cost of Rs 12 crore under the PM Gramin Sadak Yojana scheme.

Bridge Collapse Details

The construction of the bridge began in April 2021 and was completed in June 2023, with an initial estimated cost of Rs 7.79 crore. The bridge, supported by 16 pillars, was awaiting the construction of approach roads on either side before its official inauguration. The collapse occurred due to suspected structural weakening caused by recent digging near two pillars to facilitate the smooth flow of water.

Official Response

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has sought an immediate report on the incident to understand the cause and prevent future occurrences. The local authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the exact reasons behind the collapse.

History of Bridge Collapses in Bihar

This incident adds to a series of bridge collapses in Bihar, raising concerns about the state’s infrastructure safety. On March 22, one labourer was killed and eight people were injured when three slabs of an under-construction bridge over the Kosi river in Supaul collapsed. The 10.5-km bridge had been inaugurated in 2014. Additionally, in June 2023, a 200-metre stretch of the Aguani-Sultanganj bridge over the river Ganga caved in after three supporting pillars collapsed. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in this incident.

Community and Safety Concerns

The recurring incidents of bridge collapses have prompted a public outcry for better safety measures and stricter oversight of construction projects. The collapse of the Sikti bridge has particularly highlighted the need for robust infrastructure planning and maintenance to ensure public safety and prevent such disasters.

Moving Forward

The state government has pledged to take necessary steps to reinforce infrastructure safety and has called for a thorough review of ongoing and completed construction projects. The findings from the report on the Sikti bridge collapse are eagerly awaited, as they will play a crucial role in shaping future infrastructure policies and preventing similar incidents.

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