11 Engineers Suspended In Bihar After 12 Bridges Collapse In Two Weeks

In Bihar, the state government led by Nitish Kumar has suspended 11 engineers following the collapse of 12 bridges over two weeks. The government has also mandated the reconstruction of these bridges, with costs to be borne by the responsible contractors.

Bridge Collapses and Immediate Actions

The decision came after reports from flying squads highlighted negligence and poor monitoring as primary causes. Additional Chief Secretary of the State Water Resources Department, Chaitanya Prasad, criticised the engineers for their lack of care and pointed out the contractors' negligence.

Prasad stated, "It appears that engineers didn't exercise proper care, and contractors were not diligent either." This statement underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for accountability.

Specific Incidents and Enquiries

On June 18, a bridge over the River Bakhra in Araria was reported damaged. Secretary of the Rural Works Department (RWD), Deepak Singh, mentioned that both state and central teams are investigating. Four engineers have been suspended due to this incident, with two others already suspended for unrelated reasons.

Singh added that payments to the involved contractors would be withheld until investigations conclude. Final actions against both contractor and consultant will follow once inspecting teams submit their final report.

Government's Response and Future Steps

The state government has ordered new bridge constructions to replace those that collapsed. The cost will be imposed on guilty contractors as a measure to ensure accountability and prevent future incidents.

The RWD is maintaining close contact with district administrations to gather more details about these incidents. This collaboration aims to enhance understanding and improve future infrastructure projects.

The recent collapses have raised serious concerns about infrastructure safety in Bihar. The government's swift action reflects its commitment to addressing these issues promptly.