Madhubani (Bihar) 29 June,2024: An under-construction bridge over the Bhutahi river collapsed in Madhepur, Madhubani district, marking the fifth such incident in Bihar within just 11 days. The bridge, part of the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Nirman Yojana, has been under construction since 2021, overseen by the Rural Works Department of the Bihar government with an investment of ₹3 crore.
Following recent monsoon rains, rising water levels in the Bhutahi river caused the girder to collapse on Friday, sending it crashing into the river. The 75-meter-long bridge was intended to connect Madhubani with Supaul district.
Engineers involved in the construction attributed the collapse to increased pressure from the elevated water levels. Contractor Amarnath Jha stated that the damaged section would be rebuilt once water levels recede.
State Opposition leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav criticized the Nitish Kumar government, accusing it of widespread corruption that has led to the use of substandard materials in construction projects across the state.
In recent incidents, a 183-meter-long bridge in Araria district, costing ₹12 crore, collapsed on June 18. Subsequently, bridges in Siwan, East Champaran, and Kishanganj districts collapsed on June 22, June 23, and June 26, respectively, highlighting growing concerns over construction quality and oversight.
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