Piparwar: Crumbling Damodar River Bridge Turns Death Trap, Major Accident Could Occur Anytime

Piparwar: Crumbling Damodar River Bridge Turns Death Trap, Major Accident Could Occur Anytime

Cracks, potholes, bent iron sheets and exposed reinforcement bars—structure weakens under heavy coal-laden trucks; locals say: “We travel in fear, but we have no option.”

Chatra/Piparwar: The old bridge over the Damodar River, located near the Ashok Project Office in Piparwar, has reached an alarming state of decay. The condition is so severe that a major accident could occur at any moment. Large potholes have surfaced across the deck, iron rods are protruding from broken concrete, and the thick metal plates laid for temporary repairs have bent upward due to continuous pressure from heavily loaded coal trucks.

Widespread Potholes, Three-Feet Exposed Iron Rods

According to local residents and daily commuters:

The number of potholes on the bridge is increasing rapidly.
Concrete layers have peeled off, exposing the underlying reinforcement bars.
In several spots, iron rods are sticking out up to three feet, posing a grave threat to two-wheelers and small vehicles.
The constant movement of heavy vehicles is weakening the bridge further each day.

Coal-Laden Trucks Posing the Biggest Risk

Being a coal-rich region, the bridge carries thousands of tonnes of load daily from trucks, dumpers, and heavy haulers passing from Piparwar.

This results in:

The already old structure beginning to crumble under excessive load.
Temporary repair plates bending dangerously and on the verge of collapse.
Vibrations deepening the cracks and destabilising the deck.

Residents say school buses, ambulances, passenger vehicles and villagers also rely on this bridge, increasing the risk manifold.

“We Travel Out of Compulsion, Not Choice”—Residents

Several locals, requesting anonymity, said:

“We cross this bridge in fear every day. There is no alternate route. Sometimes it feels like the bridge could collapse at any moment. If heavy rain comes or a loaded truck climbs over the bend, anything could happen.”

A driver added that the metal plates often pop up or detach, causing truck wheels to get stuck—greatly increasing the chances of an accident.

Questions Raised Over Administrative Negligence

Residents and travellers have accused the administration and concerned departments of serious negligence:

No major repairs have been carried out for years.
Despite repeated complaints and inspections, no concrete steps have been taken.
Officials and public representatives cross this route daily, yet the issue remains ignored.

The growing anger among locals is now clearly visible.

If the Bridge Collapses, Loss of Life and Property Is Certain

Experts warn that with the current condition:

A major tragedy could occur any time.
The foundation is under extreme pressure when heavy vehicles pass simultaneously.
A collapse would not only cause fatalities but also block the route for days.
Coal transportation in the region could come to a complete halt.