In yet another incident raising concerns about infrastructure safety, a bridge in Bihar’s Saran district collapsed on Wednesday, marking the 10th such collapse in the state over the past 15 days. Thankfully, no casualties were reported.
This latest collapse occurred in the district’s Maharajganj area, disrupting vital connections between several villages. The bridge, like many of those that have collapsed recently, was reportedly old and its structural integrity compromised.
This incident is part of a series of structural failures that have plagued the state recently. Saran district alone has seen two bridges collapse within the last 24 hours2. The frequent collapses have raised serious concerns about the quality of construction and maintenance of infrastructure in Bihar.
The incident comes on the heels of nine similar collapses across various districts including Madhubani, Araria, East Champaran, Kishanganj, and Siwan. These repeated failures have sparked outrage, with the Bihar opposition RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav accusing the government of inaction and demanding accountability.
The Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government has ordered probes into each collapse. The Chief Minister’s Office has called for strict action against those found responsible, attributing the incidents to a combination of factors like aging infrastructure and heavy monsoon rains.
However, questions linger regarding the quality of construction and maintenance of bridges in Bihar. Experts have emphasized the urgent need for a thorough infrastructure assessment and a robust plan for repairs and upgrades to prevent future tragedies.
This spate of bridge collapses has caused significant inconvenience to local communities, hindering their access to essential services and disrupting their livelihoods. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring public safety and preventing further infrastructure failures in Bihar.
