A new bridge should last for years—not just 17 days. So why do so many roads and bridges fall apart so quickly?

A bridge in Dehradun that cost ₹16 crore developed a huge pit beside it just 17 days after it opened. Many people blamed the heavy monsoon rains. But is rain really the problem?

Other countries face much worse weather. Japan has powerful typhoons, and Canada has freezing snowstorms. Yet their roads and bridges are built to survive. India also has old bridges that are still standing strong. A railway bridge over the Yamuna in Prayagraj has been carrying trains since 1865, and a bridge built during Emperor Akbar’s time still carries light vehicles in Jaunpur.

So what has changed?

Sometimes it seems as if new roads and bridges are built just to look good on inauguration day instead of lasting for decades. Potholes are a sign that something has gone wrong. They can mean poor drainage, weak building materials, bad engineering, or poor checking of the work.

Government audits have found many problems. In one recent report, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) found that in Madhya Pradesh, some contractors who had been blacklisted still got government projects. Some projects were finished late without penalties, and some roads were marked as complete even when the work was not fully done. Other studies have suggested that political connections can also influence who gets construction contracts.

Bad roads are not just annoying. They slow down traffic, damage cars and bikes, cause accidents, and can even cost lives. Filling potholes after they appear is only a temporary fix. Asking people to report potholes with photos can help, but it does not solve the bigger problem.

The real solution is to make builders responsible if the roads or bridges they build fall apart too soon. Roads and bridges should be built to last for many years, not just until the ribbon-cutting ceremony is over. People should be able to trust that a brand-new bridge will stay safe long after it is opened.

END OF ARTICLE