Patna: The Gopalganj district administration has restricted the movement of heavy vehicles on the Jadopur-Mangalpur Mahasetu after a structural gap was detected near one of the bridge spans over the Gandak river.
Officials said a gap measuring between five and seven inches was observed near pillar number five of the bridge, which connects Gopalganj and Bettiah and serves as an important transport link in the region.
Heavy vehicles barred as precaution
Gopalganj District Magistrate Pawan Kumar Sinha visited the site along with administrative officials following reports of the structural issue.
Authorities subsequently imposed an immediate ban on the movement of heavy and large vehicles across the bridge. Only small and light vehicles are currently being allowed to pass with caution.
Officials said the measure was taken to prevent any possible accident while a technical assessment is carried out.
Expert teams from IIT and NIT to inspect bridge
The district administration said expert teams from IIT Patna and NIT would be called to examine the bridge and determine the cause of the structural gap.
“The situation is serious and requires immediate technical evaluation. Expert teams will inspect the structure and suggest necessary repair measures,” the district magistrate said.
Officials added that delaying repairs could increase the risk of further weakening of the bridge and complicate restoration work.
Bridge previously repaired after flood damage
The bridge, approximately 1.92 kilometres long, significantly reduced travel distance between Gopalganj and Bettiah after its construction.
Authorities said the approach road to the bridge had earlier developed cracks in 2020 following floods and river pressure, though repairs were later carried out.
Additional road development work linked to the bridge was also undertaken during 2023 and 2024.
Questions raised over structural durability
Constructed at an estimated cost of around Rs. 550 crore, the bridge was inaugurated by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during 2015-16.
The structure is considered a key connectivity route for several villages in the diara regions of Gopalganj and Bettiah.
The emergence of a major structural issue within a decade of inauguration has raised concerns locally regarding long-term maintenance, monitoring and construction quality.
