A Bridge In Search Of Road In Bihar's Araria (image:x.com/aparanjape)

Among the news relating to bridge collapses, a 35-foot bridge gained attention. This unique bridge stands in Bihar‘s Araria district, isolated in a field.  Built with a cost of more than Rs 3 crore, it has no approach roads on either side.

The bridge was constructed under the Chief Minister Gramin Sadak scheme. The 3 kilometre-long road and bridge was part of Rural Works Department project in Parmanandpur village.

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The piece of land where the bridge erected was bought by the administration but acquisition for the rest of the land from local farmers has left incomplete.

“Rather than acquiring land and starting road construction first, the Rural Works department constructed a 35-foot bridge at piece of acquired land while showing little interest in going ahead with the project in a rational manner,” a Rural Works department official told Indian Express.

The bridge, currently gone viral on social media.

According to villagers, there is a dead river in the area, which becomes a problem in the rainy season and remains dry the rest of the year. The road and bridge project was meant to connect the villagers during the monsoon season.

Many of the villagers still remain clueless regarding the construction of the bridge in the middle of a field.

A resident Krityanand Mandal told Indian Express: “This culvert was constructed about six months ago. We thought it could be part of some big project, but when no further work was done and there was no hint of any future planning either, we wanted to bring it to the government’s notice.”

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Meanwhile, Araria District Magistrate Inayat Khan who is currently investigating the mismanagement has sought report from officers. “This matter has come to my notice. A report has been sought from the executive engineer in this regard. Along with this, the Sub-Divisional Officer, Circle Officer and the concerned engineer have been asked to visit the site and the area,” India Today reports as Inayat Khan is saying.

“In the event of non-availability of land, how this plan was formatted, all the matters are being investigated. Necessary action will be taken,” District Magistrate added.