Gopalganj: Concerns over the structural safety of the Jadopur-Mangalpur Mega Bridge in Gopalganj have intensified after visible gaps and cracks reportedly appeared in portions of the structure, while one of its piers was also found to be sinking.
The bridge, regarded as a critical connectivity corridor between Gopalganj and West Champaran districts, has now come under technical scrutiny. As a precautionary measure, the district administration has temporarily halted the movement of heavy and large vehicles on the bridge.
Administration Launches Inspection
Following reports of structural irregularities, Gopalganj District Magistrate Pawan Kumar Sinha, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Anil Kumar, and officials from the Water Resources Department and Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation visited the site to assess the situation.
Officials inspected the affected span of the bridge and reviewed existing safety arrangements. According to the administration, the issue is being treated as a matter of priority due to public safety concerns.
District Magistrate Pawan Kumar Sinha said that a technical report has been sought from expert institutions in Patna. A specialised team is expected to conduct a detailed structural inspection of the bridge in the coming days.
“The matter is being examined seriously. Further action will be taken after the expert team submits its findings,” Sinha said.
Heavy Vehicles Restricted
Authorities have imposed a temporary restriction on the movement of heavy vehicles to reduce pressure on the structure during the inspection and repair process.
However, light motor vehicles and smaller transport vehicles are still being allowed to cross the bridge with caution. The administration has appealed to commuters to follow official advisories while using the route.
Bridge Built in 2016 at Rs 549 Crore Cost
Constructed at a reported cost of around Rs 549 crore, the 16.5-kilometre-long Jadopur-Mangalpur Mega Bridge was inaugurated by Nitish Kumar on March 17, 2016.
The bridge significantly reduced the travel distance between Gopalganj and Bettiah by nearly 100 kilometres and has since become an important transport link for North Bihar. Thousands of passenger and commercial vehicles use the route daily.
Locals Raise Questions Over Maintenance
Residents in the area expressed concern over the reported defects, stating that the bridge is a key infrastructure asset connecting several districts.
Some locals questioned the quality of construction and maintenance, arguing that such structural issues emerging within a decade of inauguration require a thorough investigation.
Public attention is now focused on the technical assessment expected from the expert team and the subsequent repair measures to be undertaken by the administration.
