Nalanda/Patna: A major accident was narrowly avoided after a section of the NH-131/SH-78 Sarmera-Bihta road suddenly caved in at the Neema Ghurdaur area under Akauna panchayat in Nalanda district.
The collapse created a large pit measuring around 20 to 22 feet in length, 5 to 8 feet in width and 10 to 12 feet in depth, raising serious safety concerns on the busy route.
Road Gives Way Suddenly
According to local residents, the road began sinking suddenly before a substantial portion of the surface collapsed. The sudden formation of the deep pit caused panic among people in the area.
The route witnesses regular movement of vehicles, increasing the risk of a serious accident. A vehicle travelling at speed could have fallen into the pit if the collapse had not been noticed in time.
Villagers Stop Vehicles and Prevent Accident
Local residents quickly reached the spot after noticing the damaged section. They began stopping vehicles approaching the area and warned drivers about the danger.
Their prompt action helped prevent vehicles from reaching the collapsed portion of the road. No major accident or casualty has been reported so far.
Residents have urged the administration to undertake immediate repairs and inspect the surrounding stretch to determine whether other sections of the road could also be vulnerable.
Administration Installs Barricades
After receiving information about the incident, the administration reached the site and arranged barricading around the damaged section.
The safety measures are intended to prevent vehicles from accidentally approaching the sinkhole, particularly during low visibility and at night.
The exact reason behind the road collapse has not yet been established. Officials will need to determine whether soil erosion, water seepage, prolonged waterlogging or an underlying structural issue caused the damage.
Road Construction and Maintenance Under Scrutiny
The sudden collapse has also raised questions about the condition, construction quality and maintenance of the highway.
Local residents have stressed that authorities should inspect not only the road surface but also the underlying structure. If water seepage or soil erosion is found beneath the road, simply filling the pit may not provide a permanent solution.
A detailed technical inspection and appropriate repairs will be necessary to prevent further deterioration of the road.
Night-Time Accident Risk Remains
The deep pit could pose a greater danger at night when visibility is reduced. Residents have called for adequate barricading, warning signs and lighting around the affected section until permanent repairs are completed.
For now, authorities are keeping vehicles away from the collapsed portion and maintaining safety measures at the site. The focus will now be on determining the cause of the collapse and carrying out a permanent repair.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns over road safety and maintenance during the monsoon, while the timely intervention by local residents helped avert a potentially serious accident.
