• Source:JND
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Bihar Bridge Collapse:  Part of a Rs 12 crore under-construction bridge over the Bakra River collapsed in Bihar's Araria district on Tuesday. A video of the Bihar bridge collapse showed the plunged ramp structure submerged half in the river, while one of the pillars inclined. Reports suggested that the bridge, being constructed on the Padaria Ghat was slated for inauguration soon.

Locals have alleged the use of poor quality material in the bridge construction and demanded strict action against the contractors and public works department officials responsible. Similar concerns were voiced by the local BJP MLA Vijay Kumar who alleged negligence by the construction company's owner.

"The bridge has collapsed due to negligence by the construction company's owner. We demand that the administration should conduct an investigation," Sikti MLA said.

Construction Started In 2021, Cost Inflated Over Time

The 182-meter-long bridge, constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Nirman Yojana, was initially budgeted at Rs 7.79 crore, reported Amar Ujala. However, due to changes in the river's course and adjustments to the approach road, the total cost escalated to Rs 12 crore. Construction began in 2021 and was completed in June 2023. Despite its completion, the bridge remained unused due to the lack of access roads on both sides.

Villagers had raised concerns about the quality of the construction, alleging visible cracks in the bridge slab two days prior to the collapse. They suspect significant irregularities in the construction process. The bridge was built by contractor Sirajur Rahman from the neighbouring district of Kishanganj, under the supervision of the state government's Rural Works Department.

MP, MLA Blames Officials, Contractors

Following the collapse, local political leaders have strongly condemned the incident. BJP MP Pradeep Kumar Singh and Sikti MLA Vijay Kumar Mandal have blamed the disaster on negligence by both the contractor and the overseeing department. They have alleged that substandard piling work was carried out clandestinely at night. Both leaders have called for a high-level investigation into the matter and demanded strict action against the responsible contractor and departmental officials.