Amid a series of bridge collapses in Bihar, yet another incident has occurred. An under-construction RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) bridge over the Ghoghari River in Gangwa village, under Sidhwalia block of Gopalganj, gave way during the concrete slab casting process. The 29-meter-long bridge was being constructed at an estimated cost of ₹2.89 crore.
At the time of the collapse, concrete was being poured on the upper portion of the bridge. Eyewitnesses reported a sudden loud noise, after which the entire structure crumbled “like a house of cards.” Fortunately, no workers were injured in the incident. Local residents, however, warned that had the collapse occurred after the bridge became operational, it could have resulted in significant casualties.
Following the accident, a large number of villagers gathered at the site, raising serious concerns about the quality of construction. Residents alleged that the cement-sand mixture did not meet prescribed standards and that substandard materials were used in place of the designated reinforcement bars.
Some villagers further claimed that the centering and support system was insufficiently strong, making it unable to bear the weight of the concrete slab.
District Magistrate Pawan Kumar Sinha inspected the site immediately after the collapse. Following a preliminary investigation, the Executive Engineer, Assistant Engineer, and Junior Engineer associated with the project were suspended. The contractor, Bapudham Construction (Motihari), has been blacklisted.
The DM stated that the preliminary findings indicated inadequate soil compaction and rusted iron bases in the centering system. Samples of cement, steel bars, and other construction materials have been sent for laboratory testing. A detailed report will be submitted to the RWD (Rural Works Department).
Bihar has witnessed several bridge collapses in recent years. In June 2023, a section of the Sultan Ganj–Aguwani Ghat bridge fell into the Ganga River, followed by another section of the same bridge collapsing in August 2023. In June 2024, a bridge under construction near Sikti block in Araria district collapsed even before its inauguration.
These incidents have repeatedly raised questions about the working methods and quality control mechanisms of construction agencies.
Local residents are demanding a high-level inquiry and strict legal action against the responsible parties. They warned that projects costing crores of rupees will lose public trust if negligence and corruption continue to plague them.
Construction work at the site has been halted, and the administration has assured that further action will follow once the investigation report is submitted.
