In Giridih district, the collapse of an under-construction bridge linking Dumritola and Kariphari villages on the Fatehpur Bhelwaghati road has raised serious concerns about infrastructure quality and safety standards in Jharkhand. The bridge, with a budget of Rs 5.50 crore, was overseen by the Path Nirman Department and Path Division Giridih, and constructed by Om Namah Shivay Construction. It failed during heavy monsoon rains, with one of its pillars leaning precariously before a girder plunged into the Arga river amidst intense rainfall.
Eyewitnesses described the sudden collapse, which shocked local residents and left the newly built structure in ruins. This incident bears a resemblance to a recent bridge collapse in neighboring Bihar, highlighting widespread worries about the structural reliability of infrastructure projects throughout the region.
The collapsed bridge was intended to significantly improve transportation infrastructure and connectivity in the area. Its failure has not only disrupted local travel but has also isolated several villages that relied on it for daily commutes and economic activities. This unfortunate event has reignited debates about construction quality, material standards, and the enforcement of safety protocols in Jharkhand’s ongoing efforts to develop infrastructure.
Similar incidents in the past, such as the collapse of a bridge over the Kanchi River in Bundu block, Ranchi, underscore the critical need for rigorous oversight and strict adherence to safety standards in all infrastructure projects to prevent such disasters from recurring.
