Unusable Rs 6 Crore Bihar Bridge: Missing Approach Road Renders Infrastructure Project Incomplete

Construction of the bridge commenced on September 3, 2020.

Patna:

In Bihar, a bridge costing approximately Rs 6 crore was constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). However, despite being built four years ago, the bridge remains unusable because the essential approach road connecting it to the local transportation network was never completed.

The Pasanta Bridge in Dandkhoda block of Bihar's Katihar district appears normal from a distance, resembling other government infrastructure projects designed to reduce isolation for flood-prone villages. Upon closer inspection, one notices there is no approach road on one side—only agricultural fields and a bridge pillar situated on privately owned land.

This bridge was designed to provide residents from approximately 10-12 surrounding villages with a direct route to the district headquarters, significantly reducing travel time by eliminating lengthy detours.

Construction began on September 3, 2020, with contractors given a deadline of September 2, 2021, to complete the project. Local residents report that while the bridge structure appears complete, the approach road and a crucial pillar located on private property were never constructed because land acquisition procedures were not properly finalized.

According to villagers, the project's Detailed Project Report (DPR) was developed without securing the necessary private land acquisitions, yet construction proceeded regardless. This oversight, residents claim, has resulted in the bridge becoming an expensive, unusable structure.

When contacted about this issue, Katihar's District Officer Manish Meena acknowledged the problem and committed to investigating the matter.