Bihar bridge collapse: Patna HC slams laxity of govt, contractor

Patna High Court on Wednesday blamed laxity of Bihar government and contractor concerned for collapse of part of four-lane Sultanganj-Aguwani Ghat bridge, being built over Ganga in Bhagalpur district, on June 4.

high court directed state government to submit action taken report on issue, while asking managing director of firm constructing bridge to remain present before court along with his expert team on June 21, when matter will come up for hearing again.

“This court is shocked at collapse of constructed part of bridge on June 4... Last year also, while construction work was going on, some structure of bridge h collapsed on April 13,” bench of Justice Purnendu Singh said.

incident occurred due to laxity of state government and contractor, observed court.

bench said it seeks to prevent misuse of public money and exploitation of natural resources in interest of society.

court directed contractor SP Singla Construction Pvt Ltd to submit its study report relating to construction work in connection with Rs 1,710 crore bridge.

“This court finds that state government has taken matter of collapsing of bridge seriously and has also taken action against its authorities and company. state government is directed to submit its action taken report on next date of hearing,” it said.

project started in 2014 and was scheduled to be completed in 2019. PTI COR PKD NN NN