Portion of Bailey bridge collapses in Bihar’s Jamui Patna: A portion of Bailey Bridge in Bihar’s Jamui district, constructed over the Bhanwar river in Churhet Kajwe village, has again collapsed within a year after being opened for public use on Monday, officials said. Due to safety concerns, the district administration has halted all traffic on the bridge and directed locals to use alternate routes. The bridge is located under the jurisdiction of the Sono block in the district. This incident raises questions about the quality of construction and maintenance practices for infrastructure in the region. Locals in Jamui district have attributed the collapsing of the bridge due to rampant sand mining, which takes place during the summer and winter seasons.

The bridge, a vital link between the two communities, was built in 1970. It was constructed using traditional methods, with local materials like stone and timber. The bridge’s design was simple, with a single span, and it was meant to be a temporary solution for a short-term need.

The new bridge, constructed using iron Bailey Bridge technology, is expected to be completed by the end of 2023. The construction of this bridge is a significant step towards improving connectivity in the Jamui district, particularly for the people living in the rural areas. The iron Bailey Bridge is a temporary structure that can be easily assembled and disassembled, making it a suitable solution for situations like this.

She added that the district administration has directed a technical team to visit the site and submit a report. “Based on the technical team’s report, we will decide the next course of action,” Sharma said.