A recently inaugurated bridge in Bihar’s Araria district, built at a cost of ₹422 crore, has suffered unexpected damage after children from a nearby village allegedly removed structural components from the site. The incident has raised serious concerns regarding construction security, project supervision, and post-inauguration monitoring by state agencies.
The bridge, constructed over the Bakra River near Kursakanta block, was part of a significant infrastructure development plan intended to improve regional connectivity. However, within weeks of its formal inauguration, parts of the bridge were reportedly tampered with by local children who managed to extract iron rods and dismantle steel plates from the structure.
According to local residents, the site lacked proper fencing, signage, or any form of security presence. “There were no guards or warnings. The children were seen playing near the bridge and gradually pulling out rods and parts over several days,” a villager said.
Officials from the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation Limited (BSBCCL), responsible for the project, confirmed that an internal probe has been initiated. Repair work has already begun on the affected portions, and the corporation has pledged to enhance safety measures at similar sites.
The incident has triggered political backlash, with opposition parties accusing the state government of negligence. Leaders from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) demanded a thorough inquiry into the matter, questioning how a project involving such a massive investment could be left exposed without any basic protective measures in place.
Engineering experts have also expressed alarm over the development. Structural engineers noted that even minor tampering, especially in newly built bridges, can compromise the overall integrity of the structure. “Preventive safeguards are as crucial as construction itself. Public access must be controlled until a project is fully stabilized and operational under monitored conditions,” said a civil engineer based in Patna.
In response, the district administration has deployed a temporary security team at the site and has been instructed to conduct awareness campaigns in nearby villages to prevent further interference. Authorities are also reviewing the implementation of standard security protocols for ongoing and newly completed infrastructure projects across Bihar.
The ₹422 crore bridge was envisioned to ease traffic congestion and improve road access across several rural blocks in Araria. However, the early damage caused by unauthorized tampering has not only delayed its full operation but has also cast doubts over the project’s execution and oversight.
As the investigation progresses, the incident has ignited fresh debate over infrastructure governance, accountability, and the importance of public awareness in safeguarding public assets.
