Patna: Concerns have emerged over the quality of an under-construction bridge connecting Bihar and Uttar Pradesh after a video circulated on social media allegedly showed a pillar sinking at the project site.
The bridge is being constructed over the Khanuwa River at Chakhni Ghat in the Bhatni region near the Bihar-Uttar Pradesh border. The project is considered important for residents living in the border areas, where limited connectivity has long affected travel and transport.
Villagers Raise Safety Concerns
Local residents have alleged that lapses in construction work may have led to the reported damage. The viral video has triggered questions about the quality of materials and engineering standards being used at the site.
Villagers said they are concerned about the bridge’s long-term safety and warned that unresolved technical issues could increase the risk of future accidents.
Key Infrastructure Project for Border Areas
The bridge is expected to significantly improve connectivity between the two states. At present, people travelling between nearby areas of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh often have to cover an additional distance of nearly 20 kilometres due to the absence of a permanent crossing.
During the monsoon season, residents rely on boats to cross the river, while temporary wooden structures are used when water levels recede. Both arrangements pose safety challenges and can disrupt daily movement.
The project, approved following efforts by Bhatpar Rani MLA Sabhakunwar Kushwaha, is being constructed by Setu Nigam at a cost of approximately Rs 16 crore.
Officials Reject Claims of Pillar Sinking
Setu Nigam officials have denied reports that the bridge pillar has sunk. According to the department, recent heavy rainfall and fluctuations in the river’s water level have created technical challenges at the construction site.
Vivek Kumar Nayak, Assistant Engineer at Setu Nigam, said the project is being executed according to prescribed standards and that quality checks are being maintained. He added that a team of experts is working to address issues caused by the weather and that corrective measures are underway.
Concerns Amid Recent Bridge Incidents
The incident comes at a time when several bridge-related failures in Bihar have drawn public attention to infrastructure safety and construction standards.
While officials have described the issue as a temporary technical problem, residents are seeking greater transparency and assurances regarding the structural integrity of the bridge before it is opened for public use.
