Patna:
In Sultanagan, Bhagalpur district, Bihar, a section of the Agwani Bridge, including pillar number 9, collapsed into the Ganga River early Saturday morning. Locals say this is the third time the bridge has fallen. Despite this, a fair investigation has not yet taken place.
Due to floods and strong currents in the Ganga River, part of the structure above pillar number 9 suddenly collapsed and fell into the water. People rushed to the scene when the structure fell, and they reported that the bridge had collapsed again.
Political Reaction
Reacting to the third collapse of the under-construction Bhagalpur-Sultanagan Agwani Bridge, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said, “The first time the bridge fell, it was decided it would be rebuilt. After going to court, it was decided the company would rebuild it at its own expense. Bridges, small bridges, or mega bridges have been collapsing under Nitish Kumar’s government. Continuous issues are arising. Strict action should be taken against whoever is responsible.”
Previous Collapses
- On April 30, 2022, pillar number 5 fell due to strong winds.
- On June 4, 2023, pillars number 10, 11, and 12 of the under-construction bridge between Sultanagan and Khagaria collapsed into the river.
These collapses have sparked political controversy in Bihar, with leaders from different parties questioning each other.
Underlying Issues
The bridge collapses point to corruption in the construction department. They reveal poor-quality materials used in construction and problems with land inspections, raising questions about the efficiency of Bihar’s government system.
