Patna: A railway overbridge (ROB) built at an estimated cost of Rs 26.40 crore in Bihar’s Buxar district has been closed to traffic after sustaining damage just days after it was opened for public use, triggering public anger and raising concerns about construction quality.
The bridge, located at the Itarhi railway crossing and intended to improve connectivity between Buxar, Itarhi and Dhansoi, suffered damage to pier number 14 only four days after traffic was allowed on the structure.
Following the incident, authorities immediately suspended movement on the bridge and covered the damaged section with iron plates while repair work began.
Project Meant To End Years Of Traffic Congestion
The ROB was constructed to eliminate long-standing traffic bottlenecks at the busy railway crossing and had been awaited by local residents for years.
The project had witnessed repeated delays, with its foundation stone reportedly laid on four separate occasions before construction was finally completed.
After years of public protests and demands for improved connectivity, the bridge was eventually opened to traffic. However, the closure within days of its launch has left residents frustrated.
With the bridge now shut and traffic arrangements disrupted, local commuters say the situation has become more difficult than before.
Allegations Of Poor Construction
The incident has prompted allegations of corruption and substandard construction practices from local residents.
Several residents questioned how a newly built structure could develop serious damage within days of becoming operational.
Critics have alleged that the quality of construction was compromised and have called for an independent inquiry into the project.
Those associated with the construction, however, have offered a different explanation. According to individuals linked to the project, excessive pressure from overloaded trucks may have weakened the structure and contributed to the damage sustained by the pier.
Administration Says Bridge Was Still Under Construction
In response to the controversy, the district administration stated that the ROB was technically still under construction when the incident occurred.
Officials said minor damage had initially been detected at one of the bridge’s expansion joints and repairs were carried out. However, the repaired concrete required additional time to cure and attain full strength.
According to the administration, traffic was subsequently allowed on the bridge before the repair work had fully stabilised, resulting in fresh damage to the affected section.
The administration also indicated that the decision to permit vehicle movement before the completion of the curing period contributed to the problem.
Old Railway Crossing Reopened
As a temporary measure, authorities have suspended traffic on the ROB and reopened the old level crossing to facilitate movement in the area.
Repair work on the damaged section is currently underway, officials said.
The incident has intensified public scrutiny of infrastructure projects in Bihar and renewed calls for stricter monitoring of construction quality and project execution, particularly in large public works intended to improve transportation and connectivity.
Residents now await both the completion of repairs and a clearer explanation of how a bridge expected to serve the region for decades developed significant damage within days of opening.
