Bihar’s ambitious Sultanganj-Aguwani Bridge over the Ganges has become synonymous with construction woes. Eleven years into development, it has breached 12 deadlines, culminating in three catastrophic collapses from 2022 to 2024. This Rs 1,750 crore lifeline between northern and southern Bihar remains a distant dream for commuters.
IIT Roorkee’s expert team delved deep into the engineering lapses, leading to redesigned plans now approved by authorities. The upgraded cable-stay system using composite steel beams and concrete decks is hailed for superior durability against the river’s challenging conditions.
SP Singla Construction has made significant headway on the 20-km approach paths, which are almost ready. However, the core one-km river span lags, representing the project’s Achilles’ heel. Officials inspected sites repeatedly, vowing stricter oversight.
Recounting the disasters: On April 30, 2022, high winds toppled segments between pillars 4 and 6. June 4, 2023, saw extensive superstructure plunge near pillars 10-13. The latest, on August 17, 2024, involved pillar 9 failing spectacularly. These events not only escalated costs but ignited political debates on safety standards.
With renewed design momentum, the state aims for completion by 2027. Linking Bhagalpur and Khagaria, the four-lane bridge promises economic revival through faster trade routes. Residents watch warily—can Bihar finally bridge the gap, or will history repeat?