The collapse of the Sattarghat bridge over the Gandak River in Bihar has emerged as a stark reminder of the state’s ongoing infrastructure challenges, raising pertinent questions about project oversight and engineering standards in public works.
In a ceremonious virtual inauguration amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar unveiled the long-awaited Sattarghat bridge on June 16, 2020, linking Kesaria in East Champaran to Faizalpur in Gopalganj. The bridge, initiated in 2012 with Kumar laying its foundation stone, was intended to bolster connectivity across the region. However, a mere 29 days post-inauguration, a significant portion of the newly constructed bridge, including its approach road, succumbed to the turbulent waters of the Gandak River. The embarrassing incident prompted swift action from the Bihar government, which commissioned a high-level inquiry team led by experts from the National Institute of Technology’s civil engineering department.
The expert panel identified the shifting course of the Gandak River, particularly its impact post-entry into Bihar from Nepal, as the primary cause of the collapse. Despite the team’s recommendation in June 2021 to demolish an 810-metre stretch of the approach road to facilitate improved water passage, little proactive measures were taken. Consequently, subsequent monsoon seasons witnessed severe flooding in Gopalganj and Saran districts, exacerbating local hardships. The aftermath of the Sattarghat bridge failure underscores systemic issues in Bihar’s infrastructure development framework, where crucial projects face challenges ranging from initial planning to execution and maintenance.
The incident has drawn attention to the critical need for robust engineering assessments and adaptive strategies in infrastructure projects susceptible to environmental dynamics. Bihar’s administration, amidst scrutiny and public outcry, faces mounting pressure to revamp its approach to infrastructure governance, ensuring that future initiatives align with sustainable development goals and mitigate risks posed by natural factors.
