BIKE SWEPT AWAY

BIKE SWEPT AWAY

2-NOV-ENG 8

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------A diversion constructed for the building of a new bridge on the Shahpur-Banahi road, near Rudranagar in the Bihiya block of Bhojpur district, has become completely submerged. Despite this, people continue to use this route, putting their lives at risk. On Sunday, two individuals on a motorcycle were caught in a strong current while attempting to cross the diversion. They managed to escape by abandoning the motorcycle, which was subsequently swept away by the river.

Later, villagers successfully retrieved the motorcycle from the river using ropes and iron hooks. Local residents have urged the administration to immediately halt traffic on this route and expedite the bridge construction work.

It is reported that on Sunday afternoon, two people—including an elderly man—were traveling from Devkuli village to Bankat village on a Splendor motorcycle when they attempted to cross the diversion on the Shahpur-Banahi road. Despite the strong flow of water over the diversion, they continued to move forward.

The motorcycle lost its balance and was caught in the swift current. Realizing the danger, both riders abandoned the vehicle and managed to reach safety. The motorcycle was quickly swept further into the river.

Following the incident, local villagers arrived at the scene. They attached an iron hook to a rope and managed to snag the motorcycle. After significant effort, they were able to pull the vehicle out of the strong current.

While the motorcycle was recovered, the incident has once again highlighted the hazardous condition of the diversion. Locals warn that the water current is intensifying, creating a high risk of a major accident at any moment.

The water level of the Cher River has risen due to continuous rainfall over the past three days, driven by the impact of cyclonic storm ‘Arnab’. With the rise in water levels, the diversion has become completely submerged.

Water is flowing over the diversion, and in several places, the current is quite strong. Despite this, people traveling between Bihiya and Shahpur continue to use this route. School-going children, the elderly, women, and other passersby are forced to take risks to cross it.

Locals report that accidents have occurred on this diversion in the past as well. On September 1, 2026, three individuals on a motorcycle fell into the river while attempting to cross the diversion. In that incident, Sachin Ravani and Sandeep Ravani—both residents of Ward No. 1 in Shahpur—lost their lives.

Following that incident, local residents blocked the road and expressed strong outrage against the administration. They point out that, despite these accidents, no permanent safety measures have been implemented at the diversion. With the rising water levels, lives are once again at risk.

Commuters have questioned the approach of the administration and the government, asking why there is such a significant delay in the construction of a new bridge, given that the old one has already been demolished.

Locals have also questioned whether adequate alternative arrangements were made before the old bridge was torn down. They note that in other parts of the district, where new bridges have been built, the old structures were not demolished until a safe alternative route was fully prepared.

Residents allege that by demolishing the old bridge, the route was obstructed, and the temporary diversion provided was not made sufficiently safe. As a result, ordinary citizens are constantly facing difficulties and danger.

The submergence of the diversion has exacerbated the challenges faced by school children and other travelers. According to locals, a large number of people commute between Bihiya and Shahpur daily; with the route now flooded, they are left with no safe alternative. Locals reported that many people are forced to cross through the flowing water. This creates a constant risk of both motorcyclists and pedestrians being swept away. The public has urged the administration to immediately close the diversion and provide an alternative route.

In this regard, SDM Omprakash Lal stated that the Circle Officer (Anchal Adhikari) has been instructed to install barricades at the diversion to halt movement. He emphasized that, given the strong current of the water, it is essential to prevent people from crossing.

Meanwhile, Circle Officer (CO) Nilesh Kumar mentioned that the 'Anchal Nazir' (revenue department official) has been directed to cordon off the danger zone with tape and install barricades. The administration is taking steps to keep the public away from this hazardous diversion.

Local residents pointed out that merely installing barricades will not provide a permanent solution. They urged the administration to accelerate the construction of the new bridge so that connectivity between Bihiya and Shahpur can be restored.

The residents argue that until the bridge construction is complete, a safe and robust alternative route must be provided. They have demanded that the administration take immediate, effective action—without waiting for another accident to occur.