Another Bridge Collapses in Bihar: 25-Year-Old Culvert in Saharsa Crumbles Under Overloaded Tractor, Sparks Infrastructure Alarm

Saharsa: In yet another alarming case of infrastructure failure in Bihar, a 20 to 25-year-old culvert collapsed in the Patarghat block of Saharsa district on Wednesday, reportedly due to the weight of an overloaded tractor carrying maize. The incident occurred in Ward No. 04 of Pama village, leaving the tractor stranded and causing major disruption to local connectivity.

According to a report by India Today, the bridge gave way as the tractor attempted to cross the seasonal stream. While no injuries were reported, the partial collapse has rendered the route unusable for daily commuters and transporters.

The culvert, described by residents as visibly damaged in recent weeks, had received no maintenance despite warning signs. Local authorities, including the Executive Engineer and Junior Engineer from the Rural Works Department, have since visited the site and initiated preliminary assessments.

Following the collapse, villagers now face a 4-kilometre detour to reach the nearest highway. The incident has renewed concerns over the condition of rural infrastructure in Bihar, particularly after a series of similar collapses last year. In June 2024, six bridges fell in different parts of the state within just 13 days, sparking widespread criticism and calls for urgent structural audits.