Patna: A section of road near the Rajivnagar drain in Patna collapsed late on Saturday night following intermittent rainfall throughout the day, raising fresh concerns over the quality and oversight of infrastructure projects under the Namami Gange scheme.
Eyewitnesses reported a sudden cave-in of the road surface, narrowly missing pedestrians and vehicles passing through the area. While no casualties were reported, the incident has reignited criticism of ongoing civil works in the capital, particularly those linked to the central government’s flagship river rejuvenation programme.
The road in question had undergone construction as part of the Namami Gange initiative, with works carried out by Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (BUIDCo). The project, aimed at improving urban drainage and sanitation in the Ganges basin, has seen multiple delays and complaints about substandard restoration.
Since the commencement of drainage works in the area, residents say the road had steadily deteriorated. What was once a stable route has, over time, become increasingly susceptible to damage especially during monsoon conditions. Locals allege that the construction agency failed to properly restore the road surface after excavation, leaving it vulnerable to collapse.
BUIDCo has since handed over the maintenance of the road to the state’s Road Construction Department. However, the department has remained tight-lipped about both the incident and any forthcoming repair plans. With the monsoon just beginning, experts warn that inaction could pose a serious safety risk.
The Rajivnagar drain, which is known to overflow during heavy rains, remains a critical point of concern. Without prompt intervention, residents fear the combination of faulty drainage and unstable roads could lead to a major accident.
