Bihar Bridge Collapses Days After Inauguration
A bridge worth Rs 264 crore has collapsed within 29 days of its inauguration. Watch our latest video for all the details.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the Sattarghat Mahasetu Bridge in Gopalganj about a month ago. On Wednesday 15th July 2020, a part of the bridge collapsed due to heavy rains. The bridge was built after spending Rs. 264 crore. It is shocking to know that it took 8 years to complete the 1.4 KM bridge
This shows the terrible state of affairs in the country. The Bridge was constructed by the Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam Ltd. It connects Gopalganj to East Champaran. Officials said the approach road to the bridge was not able to sustain the pressure of the rising water levels. After water was released from Valmiki Nagar the bridge collapsed. No injuries were reported at the time of going to the press. The bridge was a major connection between Gopalganj and East Champaran. With the collapse of the bridge several areas were cut off and traffic was disrupted. Opposition leaders obviously slammed Nitish Kumar.
Rashtriya Janata Dal's Tejashwi Yadav tweeted in Hindi that the bridge collapsed in less than a month. "Rs. 263cr is for just a glimpse. Even their rats consume alcohol worth this amount." He added that there is corruption everywhere in Bihar. Bihar Congress Chief Dr. Madan Mohan Jha also blamed the state government. He tweeted, "The inauguration of the bridge constructed at a cost of Rs. 263.47 crore on 16th June and its destruction on 15th July. Now do not accuse the poor rat for this.”
The reference to rats starts from past incidents when Bihar's officials have blamed the rodent for their mistakes. In 2017 a minister blamed rats for digging holes in embankments and weakening structures. According to him this caused floods in the state. Another time police said rats were responsible after seized liquor bottles went missing from police stations.Bridge collapses are quite common in Gopalganj. In 2015, an under-construction bridge across the river Gandak collapsed in 2 places. At that time of the incident many workers were not present so the injuries were minimum. Only five people had sustained injuries. Nitish Kumar's "impeccable" record with bridges truly speaks volumes about his "dedication" for Bihar's development!
