Rural Works Department (RWD) Minister Ashok Choudhary announced on Tuesday that the Bihar government has formed a high-level committee to investigate the recent spate of bridge collapses across the state, which includes six incidents over the past 13 days. This committee, led by the chief engineer, will analyze the causes behind these collapses and recommend necessary corrective actions.
The most recent collapse occurred at Khausi Dangi village in Kishanganj on Sunday, involving a small bridge built over the Boond River in 2009-10 with MPLAD funds. Most of the collapsed bridges, whether completed or under construction, were overseen by the state's Rural Works Department (RWD).
Minister Choudhary told PTI that the high-level committee will probe these incidents to determine the reasons and suggest remedial measures. The committee is expected to submit its findings within two to three days. Initial reports indicated that some of the bridges were non-operational or required maintenance. For example, a newly constructed 182-meter bridge over the Bakra River in Pararia village collapsed on June 18. It was built under the PMGSY scheme but had not yet opened due to unfinished approach roads.
The committee has been instructed to thoroughly examine all aspects, including the quality of materials used in bridge foundations and structures. While addressing concerns raised by Union Minister and founder of Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) Jitan Ram Manjhi, who suspects a conspiracy behind the collapses, Choudhary refrained from commenting directly.
Manjhi recently expressed his concerns, stating, "Why is the state suddenly witnessing so many bridge collapses? Why is it happening after the Lok Sabha polls? I suspect a conspiracy behind it. Authorities concerned must look into it."
Recent incidents included collapses in the districts of Madhubani, Araria, Siwan, and East Champaran, with two bridges collapsing in the Kishanganj district over the past six days.
