UNDER-CONSTRUCTION BRIDGE COLLAPSES IN INDIA’S BIHAR

Sun 04 June 2023:

An under construction bridge collapsed in Bihar’s Bhagalpur on Sunday, June 4. The visuals were caught on camera and showed two parts of the bridge collapsing one after another. So far, no casualties have been reported.

The Aguwani Sultanganj Ganga bridge was being constructed in Bihar’s Khagaria with a cost of over Rs 1,700 crore.

Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar laid the foundation of the bridge in 2015, and its construction was scheduled to be completed within five years. However, the under-construction bridge remains in a miserable condition even after seven years. The cost of the bridge is estimated to be INR 1,700 crore.

Under-construction bridge collapses in India’s Bihar pic.twitter.com/5DWlMW2YYR

— INDEPENDENT PRESS (@IpIndependent) June 4, 2023

Why the Khagaria-Aguwani bridge is essential for Bihar?

The proposed bridge will significantly shorten the distance between Mithulanchal and Kosi region, as well as between Munger and Khagariya. Upon completion, the distance between Mithulanchal and Kosi will be reduced by 50km, while the distance between Munger and Khagariya will be reduced to 35km. 

Earlier in December 2022, a portion of the bridge built across Burhi Gandak river in Bihar’s Begusarai, had collapsed. The bridge had reportedly developed cracks and pillars 2 and 3 of the bridge had taken a fall.