A major infrastructure failure has come to light in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, where the approach road of the newly constructed Aamghat Overbridge caved in following the season's initial monsoon rainfall. Constructed at an estimated cost of ₹64 crore, the structure was inaugurated and opened for public commute just seven months ago. In response to the sudden road damage, the Uttar Pradesh Bridge Corporation acted swiftly by shutting down all traffic movement across the overbridge and launching urgent restoration work on the damaged section.
Questions Over Construction Standards and Political Backlash
The tender for the construction of the Aamghat Overbridge was executed by Varanasi-based contractor firm Manoj Kesari Singh. The rapid deterioration of the approach road within seven months of operation has raised serious concerns regarding material quality and departmental oversight. The incident quickly triggered a political backlash, with Akhilesh Yadav and the Congress party launching a sharp attack against the state government and the Bridge Corporation. Amid escalating public and political pressure, Central Minister Anupriya Patel expressed strong displeasure over the collapse, forcing administrative intervention.
Three-Member Inquiry Panel Set Up by District Magistrate
Following the dissatisfaction raised by Central Minister Anupriya Patel, the District Magistrate (DM) of Mirzapur ordered a probe and constituted a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the matter. The panel is responsible for assessing the structural failure and submitting a comprehensive report detailing the exact causes behind the cave-in. Further legal and administrative action against responsible parties will be decided based on the findings of this report. In the interim, the original construction firm has been instructed to fix the damaged approach road at its own expense.
Bridge Corporation Cites Seepage as Primary Cause
Providing details on the incident, Project Manager Er. Rohit Mishra of the Bridge Corporation stated that notice of the damaged approach road was taken immediately after the rains. Preliminary investigation indicates that water seepage beneath the approach road led to soil erosion and the subsequent road collapse. Engineers are currently examining whether additional technical or environmental factors played a role. Er. Rohit Mishra added that traffic across the overbridge remains suspended for safety reasons and will resume in a few days once repairs are completed. He assured that strict disciplinary action will be initiated against whoever is found guilty in the final probe report.
