IIT Patna has submitted the preliminary report of the structural audit of bridges in Bihar to the Road Construction Department. The report identifies nine bridges that require immediate repair and strengthening.

As part of a comprehensive structural audit of bridge safety in Bihar, IIT Patna has submitted its preliminary report to the Road Construction Department.

After the Agwani Ghat bridge accident, the state government decided to conduct a structural audit of all major bridges. The audit work began in June of last year.

IIT Patna was assigned the responsibility of auditing 85 bridges across the state. Reports for 47 bridges have been received by the department so far. Reports for the remaining bridges will be provided soon.

Nine Bridges Need Immediate Repair

A study of the report by the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation has revealed that nine bridges require immediate repair and strengthening.

Two bridges in Muzaffarpur have been found to be in a concerning condition. These include a bridge near a railway station and another bridge over the Gandak River between Bairia and Zero Mile.

In Gaya district, three bridges are reported to need repairs. These include bridges on the Basatpur-Sinlaunja route, the Chatki-Dariyapur-Gora road, and between Rajbigaha and Beldar Bigaha.

Additionally, two bridges in Lakhisarai need repairs—one near a railway overbridge and another in the city area. In Hajipur, a bridge near the old railway bridge has also been included in the repair list.

Repair Work to Begin Soon

Taking the defects of these bridges seriously, the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation has prepared to start the repair process immediately. Separate tenders will be issued for the repair and strengthening of the bridges.

The Secretary of the Road Construction Department has directed officials to strictly comply with the IIT report. Special instructions have also been issued regarding a bridge in Lakhisarai.

Audit of Bridges Longer Than 60 Meters

IIT Patna is currently conducting structural audits of bridges longer than 60 meters. Meanwhile, maintenance of bridges shorter than 60 meters is carried out by the respective road construction agency under the Road Maintenance Policy.

Agwani Ghat bridge

Agwani Ghat Bridge is a historic stone bridge located in the Kheda district of Gujarat, India, believed to have been built during the Mughal era. It spans the river and served as a vital trade and travel route, connecting local communities. The bridge stands as a testament to the region’s medieval engineering and cultural heritage.

Gandak River

The Gandak River, also known as the Narayani, is a major river in Nepal and northern India, originating in the Himalayas near Mount Everest. It holds significant historical and cultural importance, being mentioned in ancient Hindu texts like the Mahabharata and serving as a vital water source for irrigation and transportation. The river is also known for its role in the formation of the fertile Gandak plains and for the Triveni Sangam, a sacred confluence where it meets the Ganges.

Basatpur-Sinlaunja route

The Basatpur-Sinlaunja route is a historic footpath in the eastern hills of Nepal, traditionally used by traders and travelers connecting the lower plains with the higher settlements of the Mahabharat Range. This route has been significant for centuries as part of local trade networks, facilitating the exchange of goods like grains, spices, and textiles between the Terai

Agwani Ghat bridge

Agwani Ghat bridge is a historic stone bridge located in the Kheda district of Gujarat, India, built during the 19th century under British colonial rule. It was constructed to facilitate transportation and trade across the local river, serving as a key link between villages and markets. The bridge stands as a testament to the region’s colonial-era infrastructure and remains a notable landmark in the area.

Gandak River

The Gandak River, also known as the Narayani River in Nepal, is a significant transboundary river originating in the Tibetan Himalayas and flowing through Nepal and into northern India. Historically, it has been revered in Hindu mythology, as its banks are associated with the ancient kingdom of the Videhas and the birthplace of Sita, a central figure in the Ramayana. The river is also known for its fertile floodplains, which have supported agriculture and settlements for centuries.

Basatpur-Sinlaunja route

The Basatpur-Sinlaunja route is a historic trail in Nepal, primarily used for trade and travel between the eastern Terai region and the hilly areas. It passes through the village of Basatpur, which was once an important market town, and connects to Sinlaunja, a settlement known for its cultural and economic exchanges. The route reflects the traditional movement of goods and people in the region, though its significance has declined with modern road development.