Bridge in Bihar Built: A Project Without Access Roads

In Parmanandpur village, located in Bihar's Araria district, a bridge was recently constructed under the Chief Minister Gramin Sadak scheme. However, this bridge stands alone in a field without any connecting roads. The project, which was intended to cover a 3-kilometer stretch, has cost approximately 3 crore rupees. The local community had high hopes for the project, anticipating that it would not only bring a bridge but also connect their village with essential roads. Unfortunately, due to incomplete land acquisition, the bridge remains isolated, with no roads leading to it.

Challenges and Controversies Surrounding the Bridge in Bihar Built

The original plan for the bridge in Bihar was to create a 3-kilometer road and bridge network. However, the project encountered significant hurdles when the required land for the roads was not fully acquired. While the land where the bridge stands was acquired, the rest of the land necessary for road construction remains unpurchased. This oversight has resulted in the bridge standing alone in an open field, creating a situation where the structure is rendered ineffective for its intended purpose.

Bridge in Bihar Built
Image Source: Wikipedia

An assistant engineer involved in the project has stated that the bridge will eventually benefit over 1,500 people living in two neighboring villages once the road is connected. The engineer acknowledged that approximately 200 meters of the road lies on private land, contributing to the incomplete connectivity of the bridge. Efforts are underway to address this issue and secure the necessary land to complete the road.

Manoj, another official associated with the project, has defended the construction of the bridge, referring to it as a 'box culvert' and asserting that it was built in accordance with departmental rules. He has denied any accusations of corruption. Nevertheless, the incident has raised concerns about the quality of materials used in the construction, especially given the recent collapse of more than 13 bridges in Bihar over the past two months. A notable example is the collapse of a 183-meter-long bridge in Araria district on June 18, built at a cost of 12 crore rupees, which is currently under investigation.

The situation has been further complicated by issues with the landowner. Initially agreeing to transfer the required land, the landowner later changed his position and is now demanding compensation. This development has added to the complexities surrounding the project.

Araria District Magistrate Inayat Khan has taken action in response to the situation. He has requested a report from the executive engineer and directed the Sub Divisional Officer, Circle Officer, and the concerned engineer to visit the site for investigation. Khan stated, "In the event of non-availability of land, how this plan was formatted, all the matters are being investigated. Necessary action will be taken."

Local residents have voiced their disappointment and frustration regarding the project. One resident commented, "We were very happy that this bridge was being built. Our village does not have a road, so we thought they would build roads too, along with the bridge. But nothing like that happened." Another resident added, "Initially, the landowner agreed to hand over the land, but later he disagreed and is asking for money."

The incomplete acquisition of land and the subsequent construction of the bridge in Bihar highlight the broader challenges faced in completing infrastructure projects in the state. The bridge, which was intended to improve connectivity and benefit the local community, now stands as a symbol of administrative oversight and project mismanagement. The administration is currently working to resolve the issues and complete the road as originally planned. The ongoing investigation aims to address the problems and ensure that necessary actions are taken to bring the project to successful completion.

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