Regulated vehicle movement set to resume on Vikramshila Setu from today

Bhagalpur: The final phase of construction of the Bailey bridge over the collapsed portion of Vikramshila Setu across the Ganga river is nearing completion and is likely to be opened to the public on Sunday for regulated movement of two-wheelers, four-wheelers and light motor vehicles (LMVs).

Ahead of the proposed opening, Bhagalpur DM Nawal Kishor Choudhary on Saturday conducted an inspection of the bridge along with officials of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the National Highway division of the road construction department (RCD) and other agencies.

Reviewing the progress of work, the DM said construction of all four Bailey bridge sections was almost complete and the remaining minor technical and structural works were expected to be finished by Saturday. He said BRO engineers and other technical teams were working on a war footing to meet the deadline.

The DM said police pickets, control rooms and boom barriers were being set up at both ends of the bridge to ensure safety, security and traffic surveillance. Facilities including fans, drinking water and heat-resistant shelters have been arranged for personnel who will remain deployed round the clock.

Expressing confidence that the bridge would ease transportation difficulties, Choudhary said strict traffic regulations would be enforced. Vehicles will be allowed to move in a regulated manner, with speed limits monitored closely and overtaking prohibited. Violators will face legal action, he added.

Heavy police deployment has also been planned at both ends of the bridge to ensure smooth traffic flow, prevent congestion and maintain law and order. Vehicles will be allowed to pass one at a time in a queue.

RCD minister Shailendra also expressed confidence that the Bailey bridge would become operational by Sunday.

More than 33 metres of the RCC structure of Vikramshila Setu near pillar number 33, between the P2 and P3 spans, collapsed on May 4, disrupting road connectivity between Bhagalpur and the Kosi-Seemanchal region of north Bihar. Following the collapse, authorities decided to construct four sections of Bailey bridge to restore restricted movement of vehicles across the damaged stretch.