Patna: Traffic movement on the damaged Vikramshila Bridge is likely to resume by June 7, with authorities completing key restoration work and preparing for final safety inspections, the Bihar government said on Wednesday.
Road Construction Department Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal said the launching of the fourth Bailey Bridge began on Wednesday and is expected to be completed by Thursday. The temporary bridge is being installed as part of efforts to strengthen the damaged structure and restore connectivity across the Ganga.
Safety checks before reopening
Officials said the bridge will undergo technical testing in line with safety standards before it is reopened to commuters. Once the fourth Bailey Bridge is in place, construction of the approach ramp will begin and is expected to be completed within two days.
The department has decided to allow traffic in a controlled manner to ensure safety. Initially, only light vehicles, including motorcycles, auto-rickshaws, ambulances and private cars, will be permitted to use the bridge.
Heavy vehicles to remain restricted
Heavy vehicles such as buses and trucks will not be allowed to cross the bridge during the initial phase of operations. Check posts will be established on both sides of the bridge to regulate traffic and enforce vehicle restrictions.
According to the department, the decision follows recommendations made by a technical audit team, which suggested additional safety measures and structural reinforcement before full-scale operations can resume.
Engineers working round the clock
Teams from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation and the Road Construction Department are working continuously to complete the remaining work.
Authorities said attention is being given to approach road construction, technical correction of bridge angles, installation of monitoring cabins, lane marking and single-lane traffic management systems to ensure safe and smooth movement once the bridge reopens.
The Vikramshila Bridge is a crucial transport link in eastern Bihar, and its reopening is expected to provide significant relief to commuters and businesses affected by the disruption.
