Dehradun: A viral image of a collapsed bridge in Uttarakhand has sparked fresh criticism of the state government’s infrastructure work, with opposition leaders and citizens demanding accountability for what they allege is poor construction quality and corruption in public contracts.
The photograph, widely circulated on social media by journalist and commentator Umakant Lakhera, shows a newly constructed road/bridge with a large section caved in. The structure appears to have given way within days of completion, despite an alleged project cost of ₹16 crore.
In his post, Lakhera targeted the “development model” of the Uttarakhand government under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. He questioned the quality of contracts being awarded in the state over the last 5 years and asked who was responsible for clearing projects that fail so quickly.
“The 16 crore bridge couldn’t even last 16 days. Those who were eager for its inauguration should now come forward and take responsibility,” Lakhera wrote. He further alleged that there is no transparency in how contracts are being allotted and sarcastically asked what “space technology” was being used that roads and bridges were “collapsing like paper.”
The location mentioned in the post is Nanda Ki Chowki , though official confirmation from the Public Works Department is awaited.
The incident comes at a time when the state government has been highlighting infrastructure development as a key achievement ahead of upcoming elections. Critics, however, argue that speed of execution is being prioritized over quality and due diligence.
As of now, there has been no official statement from the Uttarakhand government or the concerned department regarding the collapse, the contractor involved, or whether an inquiry has been ordered.
The viral post has triggered widespread debate online, with users demanding a probe and stricter monitoring of public works to prevent wastage of taxpayer money and ensure public safety.
Recently in Dakra,Dehradun a major part of the road had caved in creating a ten feet deep and a wide whole with lot of criticism by the people saying that it couldn’t withstand the first minsoin rain.
Picture taken from social media
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