Bridge develops major defect 4 days after opening in Buxar

Buxar: A newly inaugurated railway road overbridge (ROB) near the Itadhi railway crossing in Buxar developed a major structural defect just four days after opening, triggering safety concerns and demands for a high-level investigation.The Rs 26-crore bridge suffered a partial failure when the slab resting on pillar number 5 suddenly sank, leaving a gap of more than one foot on the carriageway. Following the incident, the district administration barred the movement of heavy vehicles on the ROB.Officials said the approach road connected to the bridge was also damaged. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has been tasked with carrying out repairs. Heavy vehicles will remain prohibited until the restoration work is completed.The railways has refused to reopen the Itadhi level crossing, which was closed on May 31 after the ROB became operational. Railway officials said any decision on reopening the crossing would have to be taken by the Railway Board.As an interim arrangement, heavy vehicles have been diverted through the Pandeypatti level crossing, while light vehicles and two-wheelers are being allowed to use the ROB under supervision.The 950-metre-long bridge was jointly constructed by the railways and NHAI to improve connectivity between Buxar and the Itadhi-Dhansoi region and ease congestion at the railway crossing below.Eyewitnesses claimed portions of concrete crumbled after the slab subsided. The incident has sparked questions over construction quality with locals demanding an independent technical investigation.District Congress president Manoj Upadhyay sought a high-level inquiry and accountability from officials and contractors associated with the project. Several residents also linked the incident to a series of bridge failures reported in Bihar in recent months.However, ROB caretaker Munna Kumar said the damage may have been caused by an overloaded truck and rejected allegations of corruption or poor-quality construction.In a separate development, Buxar MP Sudhakar Singh has written to the railway minister seeking a time-bound probe into the incident. In his letter, Sudhakar alleged serious irregularities in construction, demanded action against those responsible and sought accountability in the use of public funds. He also urged the minister to reopen the Itadhi railway crossing to ease inconvenience faced by residents.Buxar MLA Anand Mishra termed the collapse a case of “gross administrative negligence” and held DM Sahila responsible. He demanded her immediate removal by the state govt.Anand claimed he had warned the administration about safety concerns in a June 3 letter, highlighting alleged irregularities in the gradients of the Chausa and Itadhi ROBs. He said these defects were causing severe jolts to vehicles and increasing accident risks.The MLA demanded a technical inquiry into the construction work and action against the executing agency, engineers and officials concerned.