Patna: A major transport link in Bihar has come under emergency review after cracks were discovered in the railway overbridge on the Lakhisarai bypass, prompting the state government to order immediate repairs and begin action against the company that built it. The overbridge, regarded as one of the city’s most important routes, connects large parts of Lakhisarai and is heavily used by both passenger and commercial traffic. The damage has triggered concern among residents, with officials warning that any delay in repair work could create serious risks for commuters.
A review meeting was chaired on Friday by Pankaj Kumar Pal, secretary of Bihar’s road construction department, after technical reports were submitted by Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam Limited and IIT Patna. The reports examined the structural condition of the bridge and identified the cracks that had appeared on one of its spans. During the meeting, officials reviewed the findings in detail and discussed steps to ensure public safety, while the department stressed that negligence in such projects would not be accepted under any circumstances.
The secretary directed that the construction agency responsible for the bridge be blacklisted immediately. He also ordered that repair work begin on a war footing under the supervision of bridge corporation engineers and technical experts, so that the structure can be restored for safe use as soon as possible. Officials said the investigation would also examine the role of engineers and supervising authorities involved in the project, with strict disciplinary action promised if lapses in construction quality are confirmed. The government said poor workmanship in public projects would be treated seriously and legal action would be considered where required.
To prevent any accident, heavy vehicles have been banned from using the overbridge with immediate effect. Light vehicles will still be allowed to cross while repairs are underway, although officials said the arrangement may change depending on the condition of the structure. The department has also asked district authorities to identify alternate traffic routes so that transport movement remains smooth and residents do not face severe congestion. The bypass is seen as a lifeline for daily movement in Lakhisarai, and any disruption has the potential to affect trade, school transport and emergency services.
The review also expanded to include several other bridges across Bihar after inspections by IIT Patna. Officials said reports on nine major bridges and 37 additional structures were examined during the meeting, including the Malia bridge in Lakhisarai. The government said corrective steps would be taken quickly wherever safety issues were found and promised that future bridge construction would face stricter checks. The development comes as Bihar seeks to improve its transport network while also addressing repeated concerns over the durability and quality of some infrastructure works.
