New bridge in Bihar collapses ahead of inauguration

Patna, Aug 30 (IANS) A newly built bridge collapsed ahead of its inauguration in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district, officials said on Saturday.

The Basghatta bridge was built by the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation over the Bagmati river in Muzaffarpur at a cost of Rs. 25 crore.

The bridge was expected to be inaugurated next month.

State road construction minister Rajeev Ranjan Singh said action will be taken against those found guilty.

"We have ordered an inquiry by a top official into it and will take action after submission of the report," Singh told mediapersons here.

Local residents said that rampant corruption and poor quality material used in the construction of the bridge led to its collapse.