The Supreme Court of India has directed the Bihar government to respond to a petition filed regarding the recent string of bridge collapse incidents in the state. The petition, submitted by advocate Brajesh Singh, seeks a directive for the Nitish Kumar-led government to conduct thorough structural audits on all existing and under-construction bridges within Bihar.
A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, has instructed the Bihar government and relevant parties to provide a detailed response to the petition. This response should address the possibility of demolishing or retrofitting structurally unsound bridges, depending on their feasibility.
The petitioner emphasized the urgent need for the Supreme Court to address the issue of bridge collapses in Bihar, particularly given the state’s high vulnerability to flooding. He stressed the importance of maintaining a comprehensive database detailing the condition of all existing bridges within the state.
The petition highlighted the significant risk to public safety posed by the deteriorating state of bridges. It argued that the Court’s intervention is essential to protect the lives of those who rely on these structures. The petition also called for continuous monitoring of all existing and under-construction bridges throughout Bihar.
The petition points to a disturbing trend of bridge collapses in Bihar, including three notable incidents involving under-construction bridges and other collapses of varying scales in districts such as Araria, Siwan, Madhubani, and Kishanganj. These incidents have resulted in both fatalities and injuries. The petitioner alleges that these collapses stem from government negligence and corrupt dealings between contractors and responsible agencies.
