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‘Sunk’ spot in Rs 422 crore Patna bridge inaugurated 2 months ago not a cause for worry, officials say

Amid criticism online, Bihar Road Construction Department says ‘no threat to structural integrity’

Videos and photos of the bridge have been circulating online, leading many to speculate on the quality of construction, especially given the state’s record with bridge collapses. (Express photo)

A newly inaugurated double-decker bridge in Patna has found itself in the news for the wrong reasons – just two months since its inauguration, the Rs 422-crore infrastructure is facing some criticism over a portion that appears to have sunk.

Videos and photos of the bridge have been circulating online, leading many to speculate on the quality of construction, especially given the state’s record with bridge collapses.

However, the Bihar Road Construction Department dismissed the concerns, clarifying that the issue stemmed from a “partial slippage in the bituminous wearing course of a small section”, caused by the recent heavy rainfall.

The department said that there is “no threat to the structural integrity of the flyover”. “The flyover is completely safe,” said the managing director of Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam Limited, adding that repair work is already underway.

The 2.2-km flyover, which stretches from Kargil Chowk near Gandhi Maidan to Science College, was inaugurated by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in June 2025.

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This project, touted as the first of its kind in the state with two separate one-way decks, is aimed at alleviating traffic congestion along one of Patna’s busiest corridors, Ashok Rajpath, officials had said during the inauguration.

The flyover was launched to streamline traffic and enhance connectivity to key areas like NIT, Patna Medical College, and the upcoming metro stations, while also providing an alternative route for vehicles coming from Gandhi Setu and Krishna Ghat.

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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Bihar
Patna