A government bridge constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 20 crore over the Kosi River between Bharagama and Dumariya villages in Madhepur block, Madhubani district, has become useless for the public. Large potholes on both sides of the bridge have rendered it impassable, forcing locals to rely on a privately built bamboo bridge each year to cross the river.

Commuters, whether on bikes or foot, are charged Rs 40 each to use this private bamboo bridge. According to local residents, this temporary bridge is constructed annually at an estimated cost of Rs 7 lakh and remains operational from October to June. A person named Narayan Yadav Ghatwar collects tolls from those crossing the river.

Due to the non-functional government bridge, residents of Bharagama, Dumariya, and dozens of other villages are compelled to use the private bridge and pay the associated fees. This bamboo bridge also serves as a crucial link for thousands of people commuting between Supaul, Saharsa, and Darbhanga districts.

Villagers express their concern that despite the expenditure of crores of rupees, the government bridge is not benefiting the public. They have urged the administration to establish a permanent and smooth transportation system over the Kosi River. They have also suggested building an alternative bridge and connecting it to the existing government bridge to free people from reliance on the private bamboo bridge and the burden of paying tolls.