A newly inaugurated road over bridge at Itahari Gumti in Buxar, Bihar, collapsed approximately 96 hours [2] after it opened to the public.
The failure of the infrastructure has halted local traffic and raised immediate concerns regarding the safety of public works projects in the region.
The bridge was constructed by Bihar authorities at a cost of ₹26.4 crore [1]. According to local reports, the structure failed only four days [2] after its official inauguration. This collapse follows a prolonged period of anticipation for the community, as residents waited between 11 and 12 years [3] for the bridge to be completed and opened.
Local residents said the collapse was the result of massive corruption and the use of poor-quality construction materials. The sudden failure has left the area without a primary transit point, necessitating emergency measures to restore connectivity.
To address the immediate disruption, authorities said they have planned the installation of temporary Bailey bridges. These temporary structures were expected to be usable by June 5 [4].
The collapse at Itahari Gumti occurs amidst a broader scrutiny of infrastructure durability in Bihar. While the project was intended to resolve a decade-long transit gap, the rapid deterioration of the ₹26.4 crore [1] investment has sparked demands for accountability regarding the oversight and execution of the build.
“The bridge collapsed, causing a sudden infrastructure failure and halting traffic.”
This incident highlights a critical gap between infrastructure expenditure and quality control in Bihar's public works. The collapse of a multimillion-rupee project within 96 hours suggests systemic failures in the inspection process or the procurement of materials, potentially pointing to a pattern of negligence that endangers public safety.
