Day after reports of joint gap, RCD minister inspects J P Ganga Path

Patna: Road construction minister Nitin Nabin on Wednesday visited the J P Ganga Path after questions were raised following the appearance of what was initially believed to be cracks near pillar A-3, just two days after the inauguration of its fourth phase from Patna Ghat to Didarganj. Both Nabin and Bihar State Road Development Corporation Limited (BSRDCL) had clarified that the visible feature is an expansion joint gap, not a structural crack.
Nabin, however, inspected the site on the day, and said that the bridge is completely safe. He explained that the reported crack is actually an expansion joint, which is part of the bridge's design.
"The reported crack is not a structural issue but rather an expansion joint between the bridge's abutment and approach slab at the end of the bridge structure, which was covered by concrete. The joint is meant to accommodate temperature-related movements and vibrations, expansion and contraction. This is a normal gap provided by engineers to prevent excessive pressure on the bridge. The gap is periodically filled to maintain it. Continuous monitoring is conducted from time to time," he said.
Additionally, the minister assured that the completed work on the J P Ganga Path greatly facilitated the public in travelling from the western to eastern edge of Patna, and no one should doubt the quality of its construction.
Furthermore, he said, a report was requested from the departmental officials regarding the matter, and also recommended a third-party audit.
"A bridge maintenance policy based on Indian Road Congress code will soon be implemented in Bihar, which will keep records of bridge maintenance and health. The policy will include provisions for third-party audits to assist in the maintenance of bridges and to detect any potential damage in advance," he said.
During the inspection, the minister was accompanied by Shirsat Kapil Ashok, managing director of BSRDCL, chief general manager Bablu Kumar, general manager Arun Kumar, and deputy general manager (technical) of J P Ganga Path project, Om Prakash Sinha. The minister gathered information about the situation from the officials.