Bhagalpur District Magistrate (DM) Dr Nawal Kishor Choudhary inspected progress of work at Vikramshila Setu on May 29, 2026.
By Avijit Biswas
Bhagalpur: Traffic movement on damaged Vikramshila Setu over river Ganga here would be restored next month. The last leg of bailey bridge launching work on damaged portions of 4.7-kilometer long Vikramshila Setu is in progress at present.
District Magistrate (DM) Dr Nawal Kishor Choudhary who inspected progress of work being undertaken said the bridge would be opened for traffic before June 7.
In course of inspection the DM held detailed discussion with Border Road Organization (BRO) officials regarding progress of bailey bridge launching work on damaged portions beside restoration of traffic on the bridge.
The BRO it may be mentioned has been entrusted work for launching bailey bridge on damaged portions beside other repair works needed for safe and smooth movement of traffic on Vikramshila Setu.
The DM said in the bridge portion where a suspended span had collapsed initially, the work for launching bailey bridge had been successfully accomplished more than a week ago.
Subsequently taking into consideration the findings of technical audit undertaken to assess present condition of Vikramshila Setu, the work of launching bailey bridges on two other portions of Setu were also successfully accomplished, DM added.
He further informed on suggestion of the team involved in technical audit as an additional safety and strengthening measure, work for launching fourth bailey bridge on another portion is being undertaken presently.
For smooth and safe movement of traffic on bridge special attention is being given on works relating to construction of approach road, technical inspection and improvement of angles of bridge besides works of lining, marking and single lane monitoring, DM said.
He added engineers of BRO, state bridge construction corporation and road construction department are round the clock involved in restoration and repair work of the bridge.
As per information regulated movement of light vehicles would be allowed on the bridge after completion of repair and restoration work. The suspended span of the bridge between pillar no three and four had collapsed and fell into river on night of May 3.
Despite huge traffic load on the bridge, there was no untoward incident following collapse of suspended span, as traffic movement was restricted and bridge was evacuated in time.
The Vikramshila Setu links NH -80 in southern side of river with NH-31 in northern side of river. Constructed in 2001, the bridge provides vital road connectivity to north east from Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and further beyond.
The closure of the bridge for traffic after collapse of suspended span had led to major inconvenience for people. However, boat and ferry services have been introduced by local administration taking note inconveniences of people.
Highly sensitive about problem arising due to closure of the bridge, the state government is taking all required measures to ensure early restoration of traffic movement on the bridge.
About the Author
Avijit Biswas is a former reporter with the Hindustan Times, Patna Edition, based in Bhagalpur. He has more than 25 years of experience covering politics and other key beats across eastern Bihar. Known for his in-depth ground reporting and strong grasp of regional issues, Biswas has closely followed political developments and social trends in the region, earning credibility for accurate and balanced journalism. Avijt may be contacted at biswasavijit@yahoo.com
About the Author
