One day after a bridge crossing the Ganga under construction in the Indian state of Bihar collapsed, the state's chief minister, Nitish Kumar, acknowledged the bridge's poor design. He claimed that the bridge in the district of Bhagalpur was improperly built and that it had also collapsed the previous year. He promised to take action against those responsible.

Bhagalpur Bridge Collapse: CM Nitish Kumar acknowledges fault in design of the bridge | India

<p>A portion of the under-construction Khagaria-Aguwani bridge collapsed in the eastern Indian state of Bihar on Sunday, June 4. People present at the site recorded the visuals on their smartphones, which showed two parts of the bridge collapsing one after another.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bihar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bihar</a> a portion of under construction bridge over Ganga river collapsed today. The Aguanhighat Sultanganj bridge will connect Khagaria and Bhagalpur districts. <a href="https://t.co/7DLTQszso7">pic.twitter.com/7DLTQszso7</a></p>
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) <a href="https://twitter.com/airnewsalerts/status/1665356191453544448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had laid the foundation of the bridge in 2015, and its construction was scheduled to be completed within five years. However, the under-construction bridge remains in a miserable condition even after seven years. The cost of the bridge is estimated to be Rs 1,700 crore.</p>

<h2><strong>Why the Khagaria-Aguwani bridge is essential for Bihar?</strong></h2>

<p>The proposed bridge will significantly shorten the distance between Mithulanchal and Kosi region, as well as between Munger and Khagaria. Upon completion, the distance between Mithulanchal and Kosi will be reduced by 50km, while the distance between Munger and Khagaria will be reduced to 35km.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Thieves steal 29-foot tall mobile tower in Indian state&nbsp;of Bihar</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trending-on-wion-thieves-steal-29-foot-tall-mobile-tower-in-indian-states-of-bihar-554546/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The primary objective of constructing this bridge is to decrease overall travel time, alleviate traffic congestion, provide smoother connectivity, and offer an alternative route to the existing Vikramshila Setu.</p>

<h2><strong>Previous instances of bridge collapse in Bihar</strong></h2>

<p>In Bihar’s Begusarai district, a portion of a bridge collapsed on December 18, 2022, before its official inauguration. Constructed under the Chief Minister NABARD scheme (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development), the bridge was not inaugurated due to the absence of an approach road.</p>

<p>The collapsed bridge, spanning 206 metres over the Budhi Gandak river between Aakriti Tola Chowki and Bishanpur, was built in 2017 at a cost of over Rs 13 crore. Fortunately, there were no casualties in the incident, which involved the front portion of the bridge collapsing between pillars numbers 2 and 3, resulting in its submersion into the river.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Local villagers expressed their dissatisfaction, stating that a crack had previously been observed in the front portion of the bridge, but no remedial action was taken by the concerned officials.</p>

<p>Despite not being inaugurated due to the lack of an approach road, the bridge had occasionally been used by tractors and heavy vehicles, further exacerbating the risks associated with its compromised structural integrity.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


A portion of the under-construction Khagaria-Aguwani bridge collapsed in the eastern Indian state of Bihar on Sunday, June 4. People present at the site recorded the visuals on their smartphones, which showed two parts of the bridge collapsing one after another.

A portion of the under-construction Khagaria-Aguwani bridge collapsed in the eastern Indian state of Bihar on Sunday, June 4. People present at the site recorded the visuals on their smartphones, which showed two parts of the bridge collapsing one after another. #Bihar a portion of under construction bridge over Ganga river collapsed today. The Aguanhighat Sultanganj bridge will connect Khagaria and Bhagalpur districts. pic.twitter.com/7DLTQszso7 — All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) June 4, 2023 × Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had laid the foundation of the bridge in 2015, and its construction was scheduled to be completed within five years. However, the under-construction bridge remains in a miserable condition even after seven years. The cost of the bridge is estimated to be Rs 1,700 crore. Why the Khagaria-Aguwani bridge is essential for Bihar? The proposed bridge will significantly shorten the distance between Mithulanchal and Kosi region, as well as between Munger and Khagaria. Upon completion, the distance between Mithulanchal and Kosi will be reduced by 50km, while the distance between Munger and Khagaria will be reduced to 35km. Watch: Thieves steal 29-foot tall mobile tower in Indian state of Bihar × The primary objective of constructing this bridge is to decrease overall travel time, alleviate traffic congestion, provide smoother connectivity, and offer an alternative route to the existing Vikramshila Setu. Previous instances of bridge collapse in Bihar In Bihar’s Begusarai district, a portion of a bridge collapsed on December 18, 2022, before its official inauguration. Constructed under the Chief Minister NABARD scheme (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development), the bridge was not inaugurated due to the absence of an approach road. The collapsed bridge, spanning 206 metres over the Budhi Gandak river between Aakriti Tola Chowki and Bishanpur, was built in 2017 at a cost of over Rs 13 crore. Fortunately, there were no casualties in the incident, which involved the front portion of the bridge collapsing between pillars numbers 2 and 3, resulting in its submersion into the river. Local villagers expressed their dissatisfaction, stating that a crack had previously been observed in the front portion of the bridge, but no remedial action was taken by the concerned officials. Despite not being inaugurated due to the lack of an approach road, the bridge had occasionally been used by tractors and heavy vehicles, further exacerbating the risks associated with its compromised structural integrity. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Watch: Another under-construction bridge collapses in India’s Bihar

<p>Parliament on Tuesday passed a legislation to declare the five new IIITs in Surat, Bhopal, Bhagalpur, Agartala and Raichur as institutes of national importance, enabling them to award degrees.</p>

<p>The Indian Institutes of Information Technology Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020, was introduced in Rajya Sabha by Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank on Monday. The bill was passed by Lok Sabha in March.</p>

<p>Nishank said there are 25 IIITs in the country, of which five are run by the Union government and 15 operate under the public-private-partnership model.</p>

<p>"We have brought the proposal before this House to bring five new operational institutes, which are located and have started operations in Surat (Gujarat), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Bhagalpur (Bihar), Agartala (Tripura) and Raichur (Karnataka), under this legislation," Nishank said.</p>

<p>Bringing the five new IIITs under this law will make them institutes of national importance and they will have the legal right to grant diplomas, degrees, and PhDs, he said.</p>

<p>The institutes were hitherto registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, and did not have the power to award degrees or diplomas.</p>

<p>The bill will also enable the institutes to attract enough students to develop a strong research base in the field of information technology. The five IIITs, set up on the PPP model, can now use the nomenclature B.Tech, M.Tech and PhD.</p>

<p>During a debate on the bill in Rajya Sabha, BJP lawmaker Kamakhya Prasad Tasa thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Education Minister Nishank for including the institute in Agartala in the bill. BJD's Sasmit Patra too supported the bill.</p>

<p>V Vijayasai Reddy of YSRCP said including more institutes in the new law will help students in getting jobs. He urged the government to make India a global education hub and also asked it to consider setting up another IIIT in Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.</p>

<p>RCP Singh of JD(U) suggested standardisation of all IIITs and creating a faculty pool for all such institutes.</p>

<p>However, raising concerns over the fee structure, K Ravindra Kumar of TDP said all new IIITs are under PPP model and students have to bear all expenses. He said he wondered how the meritorious but poor students would afford it.</p>

<p>He also raised the issue of quality in higher technical education and asked whether there is any provision of quality assessment.</p>

<p>Replying to the members, the education minister said technology is one of the high priority areas for this government and it is enhancing the adoption of technology across the sector to raise productivity and standards.</p>

<p>"The New Education Policy along with technology would strengthen the foundation of the New India," he said. He said the government has given priority to the Northeast in this bill.</p>

<p>"In IIITs, the Government of India contributes 50 per cent and the rest 35 per cent and 15 per cent are from the respective state governments and the industry. While in the case of the Northeast, 50 per cent sum of the industry participation is taken care of by the Government of India," he said.</p>

<p>On making India an education hub, Nishank said more than 1,000 students from ASEAN countries come for research in IITs.</p>

<p>The bill amends the Indian Institutes of Information Technology Act, 2014 and the Indian Institutes of Information Technology (Public-Private Partnership) Act, 2017.</p>


Parliament on Tuesday passed a legislation to declare the five new IIITs in Surat, Bhopal, Bhagalpur, Agartala and Raichur as institutes of national importance, enabling them to award degrees.

Parliament on Tuesday passed a legislation to declare the five new IIITs in Surat, Bhopal, Bhagalpur, Agartala and Raichur as institutes of national importance, enabling them to award degrees. The Indian Institutes of Information Technology Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020, was introduced in Rajya Sabha by Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank on Monday. The bill was passed by Lok Sabha in March. Nishank said there are 25 IIITs in the country, of which five are run by the Union government and 15 operate under the public-private-partnership model. "We have brought the proposal before this House to bring five new operational institutes, which are located and have started operations in Surat (Gujarat), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Bhagalpur (Bihar), Agartala (Tripura) and Raichur (Karnataka), under this legislation," Nishank said. Bringing the five new IIITs under this law will make them institutes of national importance and they will have the legal right to grant diplomas, degrees, and PhDs, he said. The institutes were hitherto registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, and did not have the power to award degrees or diplomas. The bill will also enable the institutes to attract enough students to develop a strong research base in the field of information technology. The five IIITs, set up on the PPP model, can now use the nomenclature B.Tech, M.Tech and PhD. During a debate on the bill in Rajya Sabha, BJP lawmaker Kamakhya Prasad Tasa thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Education Minister Nishank for including the institute in Agartala in the bill. BJD's Sasmit Patra too supported the bill. V Vijayasai Reddy of YSRCP said including more institutes in the new law will help students in getting jobs. He urged the government to make India a global education hub and also asked it to consider setting up another IIIT in Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. RCP Singh of JD(U) suggested standardisation of all IIITs and creating a faculty pool for all such institutes. However, raising concerns over the fee structure, K Ravindra Kumar of TDP said all new IIITs are under PPP model and students have to bear all expenses. He said he wondered how the meritorious but poor students would afford it. He also raised the issue of quality in higher technical education and asked whether there is any provision of quality assessment. Replying to the members, the education minister said technology is one of the high priority areas for this government and it is enhancing the adoption of technology across the sector to raise productivity and standards. "The New Education Policy along with technology would strengthen the foundation of the New India," he said. He said the government has given priority to the Northeast in this bill. "In IIITs, the Government of India contributes 50 per cent and the rest 35 per cent and 15 per cent are from the respective state governments and the industry. While in the case of the Northeast, 50 per cent sum of the industry participation is taken care of by the Government of India," he said. On making India an education hub, Nishank said more than 1,000 students from ASEAN countries come for research in IITs. The bill amends the Indian Institutes of Information Technology Act, 2014 and the Indian Institutes of Information Technology (Public-Private Partnership) Act, 2017.

Parliament passes bill giving national importance tag to five new IIITs

Tamil Nadu: Congress leader P Chidambaram casts his vote at a polling station in Karaikudi, Sivaganga. Also know which states goes to polls to day.#LokSabhaElections2019, #IndiaVotes, #Election2019

2nd Phase of voting in India's General elections today

<p>At least eight people died in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district after the boat they were travelling in capsized in Kosi river on Sunday, news agency <em>ANI</em> reported.</p>

<p>“Seven people were rescued and sent to Sadar Hospital for treatment,” an official said.</p>


At least eight people died in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district after the boat they were travelling in capsized in Kosi river on Sunday, news agency ANI reported. “Seven people were rescued and sent to Sadar Hospital for treatment,” an official said.

8 feared dead as boat capsizes in Kosi river in Bihar's Bhagalpur

<p>Arijit Shashwat, accused in the Bhagalpur communal violence case, was released from Bhagalpur jail earlier today after being granted bail.</p>

<p>An arrest warrant was issued against Shashwat and eight others in a communal clash case on March 17.&nbsp</p>

<p>Arijit Shashwat was arrested in Patna for his alleged involvement in the Bhagalpur communal clashes late night on March 31.&nbsp</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Arijit shashwat, son of Union Minister Ashwini Choubey, released from Bhagalpur jail after being granted bail in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bhagalpur?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bhagalpur</a> communal clash <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bihar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bihar</a> (File pic) <a href="https://t.co/OK6JTmCf9O">pic.twitter.com/OK6JTmCf9O</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/983995656527335424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Shashwat, son of Union Minister Ashwini Choubey, was denied bail on March 31. He was then sent to judicial custody for 14-days. A local court on April 9 finally granted him bail.</p>

<p>Clashes broke out after Shashwat led a rally of saffron-clad youths in Nathnagar, Patna. Some people objected to the loud music that was being played during the procession. Several were injured while shops were vandalised.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp</em></p>


Shashwat, son of Union Minister Ashwini Choubey, was denied bail on March 31. He was then sent to judicial custody for 14-days

Arijit Shashwat, accused in the Bhagalpur communal violence case, was released from Bhagalpur jail earlier today after being granted bail. An arrest warrant was issued against Shashwat and eight others in a communal clash case on March 17. Arijit Shashwat was arrested in Patna for his alleged involvement in the Bhagalpur communal clashes late night on March 31. Arijit shashwat, son of Union Minister Ashwini Choubey, released from Bhagalpur jail after being granted bail in #Bhagalpur communal clash #Bihar (File pic) pic.twitter.com/OK6JTmCf9O — ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2018 × Shashwat, son of Union Minister Ashwini Choubey, was denied bail on March 31. He was then sent to judicial custody for 14-days. A local court on April 9 finally granted him bail. Clashes broke out after Shashwat led a rally of saffron-clad youths in Nathnagar, Patna. Some people objected to the loud music that was being played during the procession. Several were injured while shops were vandalised. (With inputs from agencies)

Bhagalpur communal violence case: Arijit Shashwat released from jail

<p>Union minister Ashwini Choubey's son Arijit Shashwat was arrested in Patna for his alleged involvement in the Bhagalpur communal clashes last night. According to reports, Shashwat has now been sent to judicial custody for 14-days.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bhagalpur?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bhagalpur</a> violence case: Arijit Shashwat sent to 14-day judicial custody, he had surrendered last night. (File Pic) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bihar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bihar</a> <a href="https://t.co/3PvDzyueJk">pic.twitter.com/3PvDzyueJk</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/980344933151363072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shashwat's anticipatory bail plea was rejected by a local court yesterday after which he surrendered before the Patna Police.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Patna: Arijit Shashwat, son of Union Minister Ashwini Chaubey, surrenders in Bhagalpur violence case <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bihar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bihar</a> <a href="https://t.co/hmIORr4TVl">pic.twitter.com/hmIORr4TVl</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/980157528385425408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>A warrant was issued against Shahwat and eight others in a communal clash case on March 17.</p>

<p>Clashes broke out after Shashwat led a rally of saffron-clad youths in Nathnagar, Patna. Some people objected to the loud music that was being played during the procession. Several were injured while shops were vandalised.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I am going to surrender(in Bhagalpur violence case). We will also approach higher courts. The FIR against me is totally fake: Arijit Shashwat, son of Union Minister Ashwini Chaubey. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bihar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bihar</a> <a href="https://t.co/OTcBThhq9p">pic.twitter.com/OTcBThhq9p</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/980155145534230529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Shashwat was believed to have taken shelter in Patna and later noted that he had not surrendered before the court as he hadn't committed any wrongdoing.&nbsp;</p>


Clashes broke out after Arijit Shashwat led a rally of saffron-clad youths in Nathnagar

Union minister Ashwini Choubey's son Arijit Shashwat was arrested in Patna for his alleged involvement in the Bhagalpur communal clashes last night. According to reports, Shashwat has now been sent to judicial custody for 14-days. #Bhagalpur violence case: Arijit Shashwat sent to 14-day judicial custody, he had surrendered last night. (File Pic) #Bihar pic.twitter.com/3PvDzyueJk — ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2018 × Shashwat's anticipatory bail plea was rejected by a local court yesterday after which he surrendered before the Patna Police. Patna: Arijit Shashwat, son of Union Minister Ashwini Chaubey, surrenders in Bhagalpur violence case #Bihar pic.twitter.com/hmIORr4TVl — ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2018 × A warrant was issued against Shahwat and eight others in a communal clash case on March 17. Clashes broke out after Shashwat led a rally of saffron-clad youths in Nathnagar, Patna. Some people objected to the loud music that was being played during the procession. Several were injured while shops were vandalised. I am going to surrender(in Bhagalpur violence case). We will also approach higher courts. The FIR against me is totally fake: Arijit Shashwat, son of Union Minister Ashwini Chaubey. #Bihar pic.twitter.com/OTcBThhq9p — ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2018 × Shashwat was believed to have taken shelter in Patna and later noted that he had not surrendered before the court as he hadn't committed any wrongdoing.

Bhagalpur communal clashes: Union Minister Ashwini Choubey's son sent to 14-day judicial custody

<p>Eight police personnel and a civilian were on Saturday injured in clashes between members of two communities over the playing of music during a religious procession in Bihar&#39;s Bhagalpur district.</p>

<p>A local resident was also rushed to hospital with a leg injury after being hit by a brick, a top police official said.</p>

<p>The incident took place in the district&#39;s Nathnagar police station area.</p>

<p>A procession of the BJP, RSS and Bajrang Dal workers, led by union minister Ashwini Choubey&#39;s son Arijit, taken out on the eve of the new &#39;Vikram Samvat&#39; year, began from the Budhanath temple and reached Nathnagar after traversing the town, Senior Superintendent of Police, Bhagalpur, Manoj Kumar said.</p>

<p>Some of the locals objected to playing of music, which led to some tension, but police intervened after which the procession moved ahead, the SSP said.</p>

<p>A quarrel, however, began soon afterwards among local residents belonging to two different communities with firing of gunshots, hurling of stones and setting fire to shops and vehicles, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) said.</p>

<p>The policemen, who were part of a police party that was rushed to the spot, were injured in the incident.</p>

<p>The situation in the locality is tense but under control. Heavy deployment of police has been made.</p>

<p>Further investigations were on and the trouble-makers were being identified after which arrests will be made, the SSP said.</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from PTI</em>)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Eight police personnel and a civilian were on Saturday injured in clashes between members of two communities over the playing of music during a religious procession

Eight police personnel and a civilian were on Saturday injured in clashes between members of two communities over the playing of music during a religious procession in Bihar's Bhagalpur district. A local resident was also rushed to hospital with a leg injury after being hit by a brick, a top police official said. The incident took place in the district's Nathnagar police station area. A procession of the BJP, RSS and Bajrang Dal workers, led by union minister Ashwini Choubey's son Arijit, taken out on the eve of the new 'Vikram Samvat' year, began from the Budhanath temple and reached Nathnagar after traversing the town, Senior Superintendent of Police, Bhagalpur, Manoj Kumar said. Some of the locals objected to playing of music, which led to some tension, but police intervened after which the procession moved ahead, the SSP said. A quarrel, however, began soon afterwards among local residents belonging to two different communities with firing of gunshots, hurling of stones and setting fire to shops and vehicles, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) said. The policemen, who were part of a police party that was rushed to the spot, were injured in the incident. The situation in the locality is tense but under control. Heavy deployment of police has been made. Further investigations were on and the trouble-makers were being identified after which arrests will be made, the SSP said. (With inputs from PTI)

Bihar: 9 injured in clashes between two communities in Bhagalpur

bhagalpur

Bhagalpur, News on Bhagalpur, stories on Bhagalpur, articles on Bhagalpur, Bhagalpur stories at Wion, Bhagalpur news, Bhagalpur latest news