Bad timing: Did this clock tower in Bihar really stop working within hours of inauguration?

Over the weekend, social media posts suggested the clock tower stopped functioning within 24 hours of its "inauguration” and criticised the quality of construction.

Written by Himanshu Harsh

Patna | Updated: April 7, 2025 02:45 PM IST

2 min read

The proposed design of the clock tower, which authorities say is still incomplete. (Express Photo)

The proposed design of the clock tower (left) and how it looks at the moment. (Express)

An under-construction clock tower in Bihar Sharif, a Smart City, is at the centre of a row after social media buzz over shoddy workmanship and claims that it stopped working shortly after inauguration.

Authorities, however, told The Indian Express that the project is still incomplete and “the current structure is not the final design”.

Over the weekend, social media posts suggested the clock tower stopped functioning within 24 hours of its “inauguration” and criticised the quality of construction.

But the Municipal Commissioner of Bihar Sharif, Deepak Kumar Mishra, told The Indian Express that the “rumour” is “false”.

“The clock tower has not yet been inaugurated as the project is still underway. During the Pragati Yatra, the clock was briefly made operational, but a few days later, unknown individuals stole a cable, making it defunct. Reinstallation work needs to be done,” he said.

The officer said the construction of the clock tower is also incomplete. “This isn’t the final design,” he said, sharing a projected design of the structure with The Indian Express. He said the tower was built at a cost of Rs 20 lakh, and not Rs 40 lakh as some have speculated.

Mishra said the clock tower is a component of the broader Nala Road Project, which will connect Machli Mandi to Mughal Kuan.

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“The project began three years ago with the clearing of encroachments. We initially planned to inaugurate it in March, but delays in removing the encroachments pushed the timeline to the end of May,” he said.

The Municipal Commissioner said work at the Machli Mandi end is almost complete, while some tasks remain on the Mughal Kuan side because of pending court cases.

“The construction of the clock tower will be completed along with it,” he said.

Himanshu Harsh

Himanshu Harsh is a Correspondent with The Indian Express, currently leading on-the-ground coverage in Bihar. With a reporting career rooted in the complexities of the National Capital Region (NCR), Himanshu specializes in the critical intersection of law, crime, and civic governance. Professional Expertise & Credentials An alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi, Himanshu brings a rigorous academic foundation to his investigative work. His expertise is characterized by a "ground-up" reporting style, most notably demonstrated during his extensive coverage of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where he analyzed shifting political landscapes and grassroots sentiment. Specialized Beats Himanshu’s portfolio reflects versatility, allowing him to navigate diverse industries and social issues: Civic & Legal Affairs: Extensive experience covering the Delhi reporting beat, focusing on policy implementation and judicial impact. Automotive Industry: A technical background in reporting on India’s evolving transport and automotive sectors. Social Fabric & Human Interest: Beyond hard news, he is known for exploring the changing social dynamics of India’s urban and rural heartlands, bringing a human-centric lens to systemic issues. Personal Interests & Digital Literacy Outside the newsroom, Himanshu’s deep engagement with technology and gaming informs his understanding of digital trends and the modern information economy. A trained DJ with a passion for music, his diverse personal interests contribute to a well-rounded perspective that resonates across both traditional and digital media platforms. ... Read More

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