Tragic Incident of Sultanganj Bridge Collapse Raises Concerns about Construction Quality

Bhagalpur, Bihar – On 5th June, a devastating incident occurred as the Sultanganj Bridge, a four-lane concrete bridge under construction across the River Ganges in the eastern Indian state of Bihar, collapsed for the second time in just over a year. The incident has once again raised serious questions about the quality of construction and safety standards employed during the project.

Captured in video footage, the 3-kilometer (1.8-mile) bridge can be seen dramatically crashing into the river, generating a plume of debris and dust, while waves ripple across the sacred Ganges. Although there have been no confirmed reports of injuries, the collapse has shocked witnesses, prompting concerns about the potential risks involved.

Construction on the Sultanganj Bridge commenced in 2017, but it experienced its first collapse in April of the following year. The reasons for the initial failure remain unclear, and it is uncertain whether any remedial actions were taken at that time to address the issues.

In response to this unfortunate event, Bihar’s chief minister, Nitish Kumar, has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident to ascertain the causes and determine accountability. The authorities are committed to uncovering the truth and taking appropriate action to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Canadian design and engineering firm responsible for the bridge, Sp Singhla Constructions, acknowledged the “partial collapse” and expressed deep concern for the safety and well-being of those affected by the incident. The company has pledged full cooperation with any investigation launched into the matter. Efforts are underway to assess the situation comprehensively and provide support to those impacted.

The press has reached out to SP Singla Constructions, the construction company involved in building the bridge, but has yet to receive a response regarding their perspective on the incident.

According to reports and media sources, the Sultanganj Bridge was envisioned to include four lanes of traffic and a footpath, creating a vital new link across the Ganges. Furthermore, it aimed to alleviate congestion on the state’s existing road bridges, as mentioned on the construction firm’s website.

Sadly, the Sultanganj Bridge collapse is not an isolated incident in India. In October of the previous year, a suspension bridge in the town of Morbi, Gujarat, collapsed, resulting in the tragic loss of 135 lives. Such incidents underscore the urgent need to prioritize construction quality, adherence to safety protocols, and robust oversight to prevent further disasters

SP Singla Construction extends its deepest condolences to anyone affected by this unfortunate incident and reiterates its commitment to assisting the authorities in their investigation. As more information becomes available, updates will be provided to the public and the media promptly.