A clock tower newly built in Bihar Sharif generated widespread debate on the internet after reports stated that it broke down just a day after its launch. The tower, reportedly built at a cost of ₹40 lakh, was allegedly hurried into operation during Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Pragati Yatra, as per a report by Dainik Bhaskar. It reportedly went out of order the next day itself due to copper wire theft.
The accident soon went viral on social media, with people not only criticizing its look but also its price tag. A picture of the clock tower posted on X elicited sarcastic comments, with one user writing, “This shabbily painted, poorly finished, concrete clock tower in Bihar Sharif, constructed under the ‘Smart City’ project, had its clock malfunction within 24 hours of its inauguration. Guess the cost of production? Just Rs. 40 lakh! Just 40 lakhs for this architectural wonder! Hats off!”
This shabbily painted, poorly finished, concrete clock tower in Bihar Sharif, built under ‘Smart City’ project, had its clock stop working within 24 hours of inauguration.
Guess the production cost? Only ₹40 lakh! Just 40 lakhs for this architectural marvel! Hats off! pic.twitter.com/GZqnGX8z7Q
— THE SKIN DOCTOR (@theskindoctor13) April 6, 2025
Social Media Reactions
Others joined in with ridicule and criticism. One user joked, “The building resembles a metro pillar rather than the clock tower.” Another questioned the supposed wasteful expenditure, writing, “Yeh clock tower nahin corruption tower hain.”
A user commented sarcastically, “Seriously, where did all that money go? The design looks so basic too!” In contrast, someone wrote, “This is not a clock tower, this is a tribute to taxpayers’ money,” and another joked, “I have never seen a more beautiful architectural wonder in my entire life.” As online criticism mounted, local officials took umbrage with the accusations.
‘Not Yet Inaugurated’
Bihar Sharif Municipal Commissioner Deepak Kumar Mishra denied the reports, stating to The Indian Express that the clock tower is ‘not yet inaugurated because the project is still in progress’. He made it clear that though the clock was temporarily put on during the Chief Minister’s visit, a few days later it stopped running after ‘certain people pilfered a cable, rendering it useless’. He further added that reinstallation needs to be done.
Mishra also challenged the figure of Rs. 40 lakh reported. In his words, “the structure is estimated at ₹20 lakh, not Rs. 40 lakh as some viral posts have implied.” He further clarified that the tower is part of the Nala Road Project, which was meant to connect Machli Mandi to Mughal Kuan.
Throwing light on the timeline, Mishra said that work started three years back but was delayed because of encroachment clearance. He further said, “The clock tower construction will be done along with the rest of the project.”
