Officials of Rohtas district administration inspect the cracks on the newly built bridge at Dehri-on-Sone. Picture by Sanjay Choudhary

A railway overbridge on the state highway in Rohtas has developed cracks within three months of its inauguration, much to the chagrin of the commuters in the Shahabad region.

Chief minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the bridge, constructed by Ircon, on August 4. The bridge connecting Dehri-on-Sone, the sub-divisional town of Rohtas district and its adjoining areas with Patna through Ara in Bhojpur, was built at a cost of about Rs 31 crore.

Rohtas additional district magistrate (ADM) Radha Kishore Jha, accompanied by Dehri-on-Sone sub-divisional officer Md Shahid, visited the spot on Friday and stopped movement of vehicles on the bridge. “A probe has been initiated to ascertain the reason for damages to the bridge,” he said.

The ADM said traffic on the bridge has been restricted as a precautionary measure and to prevent further damage to the structure. “A preliminary report would be submitted to the district magistrate, who would inform the company, which had been given the contract,” he said.

Jha did not rule out the possibility of use of sub-standard materials in construction. “A detailed inquiry would be conducted to fix the responsibility,” he added.

Residents of the area said the divisional railway manager of Mughalsarai, Anup Kumar, was informed about the cracks spotted on the bridge a few weeks ago. The DRM, however, did not take any action. “The cracks in the middle of the bridge may lead to accidents,” said Vikas Kumar, a resident Sasaram.

Asked about it, railway chief administrative officer (south) L.N. Jha said: “I have been informed about the damage to the newly built bridge on the state highway, which connects Dehri-on-Sone with Patna through Ara. Necessary action is being taken in this regard.”

However, no senior official of Ircon, which constructed the bridge, was available to comment.

Chief engineer (railways) Diwakar Prasad also washed his hands of saying he was no longer concerned with the project. “I am in no way associated with the damaged bridge,” he said.

Restriction on the movement of vehicles has caused hardships for the residents of Rohtas, Kaimur, Buxar and Bhojpur districts, which are under the Shahabad range.

“We have to cover a distance of more than 10km to reach the main road leading to Patna,” said Bindheshwar Prasad, a resident of Dehri- on-Sone.