In a string of unfortunate events, an under-construction bridge collapsed in Bihar’s East Champaran district, specifically in Motihari, making it the third such incident in the state just this week. The 16-meter-long structure, being built at a cost of ₹1.5 crore, was intended to connect Amwa village in Motihari’s Ghorasahan block to other parts of the block over a canal constructed by the state government’s Rural Works Department (RWD).
The collapse, which luckily didn’t result in any casualties, has sparked an investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident. Dipak Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of Bihar’s Rural Works Department, expressed grave concern over the collapse and indicated that a thorough inquiry has been initiated. He promised strict action against those found responsible for the mishap.
District Magistrate Saurabh Jorwal emphasized the need to ascertain the precise cause of the collapse, with reports suggesting initial objections from locals regarding the construction of certain pillars of the bridge. The involvement of the police has also been acknowledged, signifying a deeper probe into the matter.
This unfortunate event follows recent collapses of two other bridges in Bihar. Just a day before the Motihari incident, a newly constructed bridge in Siwan district met the same fate, connecting villages within the Daraunda and Maharajganj blocks. Additionally, on June 18, a 180-meter-long bridge in Araria district also collapsed, collectively indicating a growing concern regarding the quality of infrastructure and public works in Bihar.
