**Executive Summary**
This document is a response to Unstarred Question No. 170 in Lok Sabha regarding the dilapidated condition of a bridge on the Gandak River at Dumariya on National Highway-27 in Bihar. It outlines the current status of the bridge, the history of reconstruction efforts, the ongoing solutions, and the expected completion date for the new bridge, which is now scheduled for December 2027.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Existing Bridge Status:**
* An existing 2-lane bridge at Km.423.000 on NH-27, constructed in 1974, is being maintained, but experiences traffic congestion due to a reduction in carriageway.
* **Reconstruction Project:**
* Initial 4-lane bridge construction was awarded in 2007 but terminated in 2013 due to contractor defaults with 9 of 16 spans completed.
* Bids for balance works were re-awarded in 2022, but structural issues have since been observed.
* **Proposed Solution and Timeline:**
* A composite superstructure is being explored after consultation with Structural and Design experts.
* M/s RITES is conducting a structural assessment audit.
* The revised scheduled date for completion of work is December 2027.
* **Traffic Management:**
* Interim traffic arrangements are being implemented according to Indian Road Congress guidelines.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Commuters and Residents of Gopalganj District, Bihar**
* **Impact:**
* Experience traffic congestion due to the bridge's reduced carriageway.
* Face potential safety risks due to the dilapidated condition of the existing bridge.
* Will benefit from the completion of the new 2-lane bridge in December 2027.
* **Action Required:**
* Adhere to interim traffic arrangements to ensure safety and minimize congestion.
**Stakeholder: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways**
* **Impact:**
* Responsible for the safe maintenance of the existing bridge and the completion of the new bridge project.
* Needs to address structural issues in the existing and new bridge construction
* **Action Required:**
* Continue interim traffic arrangements to minimize congestion until the new bridge is complete.
* Oversee the structural assessment and design of the composite superstructure.
* Ensure that the project adheres to the revised completion date of December 2027.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways: The Indian government ministry responsible for the development and maintenance of road infrastructure.
Gandak River: The river on which the dilapidated bridge is located, affecting traffic and safety.
National Highway-27 (East-West Corridor): The specific highway on which the bridge is situated, directly influencing regional connectivity.
Dumariya: The village near the bridge's location in Gopalganj, Bihar.
RITES: A consultancy organization engaged for structural assessment of the bridge.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 170
ANSWERED ON 29TH JANUARY, 2026
DILAPIDATED CONDITION OF BRIDGE ON GANDAK RIVER AT DUMARIYA
170. DR. ALOK KUMAR SUMAN:
Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री
be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware of the highly dilapidated condition of the
bridge over the Gandak River at Dumariya on National Highway-27 (East-West
Corridor) in Gopalganj district of Bihar which poses serious risks of accidents
and loss of life and property if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether it is a fact that the construction or reconstruction of the said
bridge was awarded twice but remained incomplete due to cracks in piers and
spans and other technical constraints and if so, the responsibility fixed and
action taken thereon;
(c) whether an expert committee has recommended the use of steel frame or
steel girder as a permanent solution and if so, the current status of the
proposal; and
(d) the likely timeline for initiating permanent works and the interim safety
arrangements made for traffic?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)
(a) There is an existing 2-lane bridge over Gandak River (downstream side)
at Km.423.000 on NH-27 in Dumariya village which was constructed in the year
1974. The said bridge is being maintained in traffic worthy condition. However,
there is traffic congestion at this location due to reduction in carriageway from4 lanes to 2 lanes. Further, a new 2-lane bridge over Gandak River (upstream
side) adjacent to the existing 2-lane bridge is being constructed.
(b) The work of new 2 lane bridge over Gandak River was awarded initially in
the 4-lane work under East West Corridor in 2007 and the contract was
terminated in 2013 due to Contractor's defaults.
At the time of termination, out of 16 Spans, 9 deck slabs had been
completed and the work of 7 deck slabs were to be completed.
Thereafter, bids for balance works were invited and the work was
awarded in the year 2022. During the execution, structural issues were
observed in already constructed structure and after consultation with
Structural and Design experts, a composite superstructure is being explored.
(c) M/s RITES have been engaged for the structural assessment Audit.
Accordingly, on the basis of RITES report, advise by Design Experts and the
Supervision Consultant, the design for composite superstructure is under
progress and the work is being taken up accordingly.
(d) The interim traffic arrangements are being done as per Indian Road
Congress guidelines. The revised scheduled date for completion of work is
December 2027.
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