Bihar: Bridge Collapses In Bhagalpur, Opposition Blame CM Nitish Kumar's Govt

The Aguwani Sultanganj Ganga bridge, with a cost of over Rs 1,700 crore, was being constructed in Khagaria, raising concerns about the safety of infrastructure in the state amidst previous bridge failures and criticism towards the Nitish Kumar-led government.

PTI, 04 JUN 2023: In a shocking incident on Sunday, June 4, an under construction bridge in Bhagalpur, Bihar, collapsed in two parts, captured on camera. The Aguwani Sultanganj Ganga bridge, with a staggering cost of over Rs 1,700 crore, was being constructed in Khagaria.

According to reports by India Today, a significant portion of the bridge, around 3ft, fell into the river Ganga below. The bridge had previously suffered damage due to a storm in April, further exacerbating the situation. This bridge, connecting Khagaria, Aguwani, and Sultanganj, had faced a partial collapse two years ago as well.

No casualties have been reported after a section of the Aguwani-Sultanganj bridge, linking Bhagalpur with Khagaria district, collapsed into the Ganga river. The incident occurred when several pillars of the under-construction bridge gave way, according to an official statement. Bhagalpur District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen confirmed the collapse and stated that the administration is in close communication with the relevant department to address the situation.

In response to the collapse, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has instructed the additional chief secretary of the building construction department, Pratyaya Amrit, to form an inquiry committee. The committee's mandate is to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure that appropriate measures are taken against any officials found responsible for negligence or misconduct.

Meanwhile, criticism swiftly emerged in response to the bridge collapse, with Bihar LoP Vijay Kumar Sinha blaming the Nitish Kumar-led government. Sinha expressed his dismay, stating, "There's a tradition of seeking commissions. It is a consequence of his mentality of political instability that there's administrative anarchy and corruption. The system is collapsing but they are talking about opposition unity."

This incident adds to a series of bridge failures in Bihar, raising concerns about the safety and quality of infrastructure in the state. In December 2022, a bridge across Burhi Gandak river in Begusarai collapsed due to cracks and falling pillars. Another bridge collapse occurred in Nalanda district in November, resulting in the death of a laborer and injuries to another. Additionally, under-construction bridges in Kishanganj and Saharsa districts collapsed even before their inauguration, highlighting a disturbing trend.