Patna: The Bihar government has identified nine bridges requiring immediate repair and strengthening following a structural audit conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Patna, officials said.
The audit was launched after the Aguwani Ghat bridge collapse, prompting the state government to order a safety review of major bridges across Bihar. The process began in June last year under the supervision of the Road Construction Department.
IIT Patna submits preliminary findings
IIT Patna was assigned the task of conducting structural audits for 85 bridges in the state. So far, reports for 47 bridges have been submitted to the department, while assessments for the remaining structures are expected shortly.
According to a review carried out by the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation, nine bridges were found to require urgent repair and reinforcement work.
Bridges in multiple districts identified
In Muzaffarpur, two bridges were flagged for concern — one located near the railway station and another over the Gandak river between Bariya and Zero Mile.
Three bridges in Gaya district were also identified for repair. These include bridges on the Basatpur–Silaunja route, the Chatki–Dariyapur–Gora road, and the stretch between Rajbigha and Beldar Bigha.
In Lakhisarai, two bridges, including one near a road overbridge and another within the urban area, were recommended for improvement.
A bridge near the old railway bridge in Hajipur has also been included in the list requiring repairs.
Repair process to begin
The Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation said preparations are under way to begin repair and strengthening work on the identified bridges. Separate tenders will be issued for the projects.
Road Construction Department secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal has directed officials to ensure strict compliance with IIT Patna’s recommendations. Specific instructions were also issued regarding one bridge in Lakhisarai, officials said.
Audit focused on major bridges
At present, IIT Patna is conducting structural audits of bridges longer than 60 metres. Bridges shorter than 60 metres are maintained by the respective road construction agencies under the state’s road maintenance policy.
