Bihar Bridge Disaster: Under Construction Aguwani-Sultanganj Bridge Collapses in Bhagalpur
Bhagalpur (Bihar), June 4, 2023- A major infrastructure project in the eastern state of Bihar, India, suffered a setback on Sunday when a large section of an under-construction bridge collapsed into the Ganga River. The Aguwani-Sultanganj bridge, which was meant to connect the districts of Khagaria and Bhagalpur, had already faced delays and cost overruns before the incident.
What happened to Bhagalpur Bridge?
According to local media reports, around 100 feet of the bridge fell into the river around 2 pm on Sunday, June 4. The moment was captured on video by some bystanders, who shared it on social media. No casualties or injuries were reported as the site was evacuated before the collapse.
This is not the first time that the bridge has collapsed. In October 2019, a similar incident occurred when a 20-foot portion of the bridge had given way. The construction work was resumed after an inquiry by the authorities.
Why is the Aguwani-Sultanganj Bridge important?
The Aguwani-Sultanganj bridge is part of a larger project to build four bridges over the Ganga River in Bihar, which is one of the most populous and underdeveloped states in India. The project was approved by the central government in 2014 with an estimated cost of Rs 1,742 crore (around $240 million).
The bridge is expected to reduce the travel time and distance between Khagaria and Bhagalpur, which are separated by the river. It is also expected to boost trade and tourism in the region, as well as provide better connectivity to other parts of the state and neighboring countries like Nepal and Bangladesh.
What is the status of the project?
The project has been facing several challenges since its inception. Apart from technical glitches and environmental issues, it has also faced land acquisition problems and protests by local residents. The Covid-19 pandemic has also affected the pace of work and increased costs.
The original deadline for completing the project was December 2020, but it was later extended to June 2021. However, after the latest collapse, it is unclear when the bridge will be ready for use. The state government has ordered a probe into the incident and promised to take action against those responsible.
How has the public reacted?
The bridge collapse has sparked outrage and criticism among the public and the opposition parties, who have blamed the state government for its negligence and corruption. They have also questioned the quality of work and materials used for the project.
Some people have also expressed their frustration and disappointment over the lack of development and infrastructure in Bihar, which has been lagging behind other states in terms of economic growth and social indicators. They have demanded better governance and accountability from the authorities.
What are the implications for Bihar?
The bridge collapse is a setback for Bihar’s development agenda, which has been hampered by various factors such as poverty, illiteracy, casteism, crime, and political instability. The state needs more investment and innovation in sectors like agriculture, industry, education, health, and transport to improve its living standards and competitiveness.
The incident also exposes the gaps and challenges in India’s infrastructure sector, which is crucial for its economic growth and development. According to a recent report by NITI Aayog, a government think tank, India needs to spend $1.4 trillion on infrastructure by 2025 to achieve its growth potential.
The report also highlights the need for improving the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of infrastructure projects, as well as ensuring transparency and accountability in their implementation. It also suggests adopting new technologies and best practices to overcome the bottlenecks and risks involved in such projects.
