Itarhi Railway Overbridge Collapse Raised in Bihar Assembly; Demand for High-Level Probe and Strict Action Against Those Responsible

Itarhi Railway Overbridge Collapse Raised in Bihar Assembly; Demand for High-Level Probe and Strict Action Against Those Responsible

Patna/Buxar: The issue of the partial collapse of the Itarhi Railway Overbridge (ROB) in Bihar's Buxar district echoed strongly in the Bihar Legislative Assembly on Tuesday. Buxar Sadar MLA Anand Mishra termed the incident a matter of serious concern and demanded a high-level inquiry into the entire episode. He also called for strict action against the construction agency responsible for the project and accountability for officials who allegedly failed to properly supervise the construction work.

The legislator said that the collapse of a bridge constructed at a cost of ₹26.4 crore raises serious questions about the quality of public infrastructure projects and the effective utilization of public funds.

Issue Raised Through Calling Attention Motion

During the Calling Attention Motion in the Assembly, Anand Mishra informed the House that a portion of the Itarhi Railway Overbridge, built at an estimated cost of ₹26.4 crore, had sunk, making the bridge unsafe for traffic.

He stated that after the damage to the bridge, the adjoining railway crossing was also closed, disrupting the daily movement of thousands of residents from Itarhi and nearby areas. As a result, commuters are now forced to travel through longer alternative routes.

Thousands of Residents Affected

The MLA said that the closure of the bridge has severely affected daily life in the region. Students are facing difficulties in reaching schools on time, while farmers are struggling to transport their agricultural produce to markets.

He added that traders, office-goers, and local residents are also experiencing delays and inconvenience due to the increased travel distance. According to him, if the situation continues for an extended period, it could have a significant impact on the local economy and public life.

Students and Farmers Facing Hardship

Anand Mishra highlighted that schoolchildren from rural areas are among the worst affected, as they now have to take much longer routes to reach their educational institutions.

Farmers are also bearing additional transportation costs because they must travel farther to carry their produce to markets. This has increased both travel time and fuel expenses, placing an extra financial burden on them.

Local Business Activities Disrupted

The damaged bridge has also affected commercial activities in Itarhi and surrounding areas. Local traders and transport operators have reported increased operational costs due to longer travel routes.

Business organizations believe that if the bridge is not restored quickly, the disruption could negatively impact trade and economic activities in the region.

Questions Raised Over Construction Quality

The partial collapse of a bridge built at a cost of ₹26.4 crore has raised serious concerns about construction quality and adherence to engineering standards.

Anand Mishra demanded that the government conduct an impartial technical investigation to determine whether proper construction materials and approved engineering practices were used during the project.

He said that if technical flaws or negligence are found, those responsible must be held accountable.

Demand for Action Against Construction Agency

The MLA urged the government to take strict action against the construction agency if the investigation establishes negligence or substandard work.

He emphasized that poor-quality execution of public infrastructure projects cannot be tolerated and that exemplary action would help prevent similar incidents in the future.

Accountability of Supervising Officials

Besides the construction company, Anand Mishra also sought an inquiry into the role of government officials responsible for monitoring the project.

He argued that if there was negligence in inspection or supervision during construction, the concerned officials should also be held accountable. According to him, ensuring accountability is essential for maintaining quality in public infrastructure projects.

Call for High-Level Technical Investigation

The legislator demanded an independent, high-level technical investigation into the incident to determine:

• The exact reason behind the bridge's partial collapse.
• Whether quality construction materials were used.
• Whether engineering standards were properly followed.
• Whether there were any irregularities during execution.
• Whether any lapse occurred in supervision and quality control.

He also requested that the investigation report be made public to restore public confidence.

Government Urged to Take Immediate Steps

Local residents and public representatives have urged the government to prioritize the repair and restoration of the damaged bridge. They have also requested improved alternative traffic arrangements until the bridge becomes operational again.

According to residents, restoring connectivity at the earliest is essential to minimize inconvenience and economic losses.

Experts Stress Need for Technical Assessment

Civil engineering experts believe that any structural failure involving a bridge is a serious matter requiring a comprehensive technical assessment.

They say the investigation should determine whether the failure resulted from design flaws, construction defects, poor-quality materials, foundation issues, or inadequate supervision. The findings could also help improve quality standards for future infrastructure projects.

Public Expects Swift Action

Residents of Itarhi and neighboring areas are hoping for prompt government action. They believe that both the repair of the bridge and strict action against anyone found responsible are necessary to restore public confidence and ensure such incidents do not recur.

Many locals have also emphasized the need for regular quality inspections during the execution of major public infrastructure projects.

The partial collapse of the Itarhi Railway Overbridge has become more than just a local infrastructure issue—it has sparked a wider debate about construction quality, project monitoring, and accountability in public works.

Following the discussion in the Bihar Assembly, attention is now focused on the government's next steps. If a transparent investigation is conducted, responsibility is fixed, and the bridge is restored promptly, the incident could lead to stronger quality control mechanisms and improved public confidence in future infrastructure projects.