Bhagalpur/Patna: The Vikramshila Setu in Bhagalpur is set to undergo a major restoration phase, with preparations underway to close the bridge from the night of September 30.
The closure will be followed by the removal of the Bailey bridge from October 1, after which restoration work on the structure will proceed. The entire exercise is expected to continue for around three months, potentially affecting the movement of thousands of vehicles and passengers who use the bridge every day.
With the bridge likely to remain closed during the restoration period, authorities are working on alternative arrangements to minimise disruption.
Alternative Water Routes Under Consideration
A meeting was held at Ajgaivinath Dham on Sunday evening under the chairmanship of Road Construction Department Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal to discuss traffic arrangements during the closure.
Officials from the Bhagalpur district administration, Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation, Water Resources Department and other concerned departments attended the meeting.
Several alternatives were discussed, with particular focus on using the Ganga as an alternative transportation route.
Authorities are examining the possibility of operating boats, cruises and other watercraft to facilitate passenger movement while the bridge remains closed.
The officials have been directed to develop an arrangement that can function on the ground rather than remain limited to a planning exercise. Passenger numbers, safety requirements and the expected movement of vehicles and commuters will be considered while preparing the alternative system.
Ganga Water Level and Current to Be Surveyed
A joint team from the concerned departments will conduct a survey to assess whether an alternative water route can be safely operated.
The team will examine the water level of the Ganga, current speed and prevailing river conditions. Officials will also identify suitable locations for operating the alternative waterway and assess where facilities for passenger boarding and disembarkation could be developed.
The survey will also examine the likely number of passengers and safety requirements associated with operating boats, cruises and other vessels.
Following the assessment, the departments will prepare a joint report and submit it to the Road Construction Department Secretary.
Final Alternative Route After Survey Report
The final decision on the alternative transport arrangement will be taken after the joint survey report is examined.
This means that while several options are currently under discussion, the exact system to be implemented during the bridge closure has not yet been finalised.
The administration faces a significant logistical challenge because Vikramshila Setu is an important connectivity link for Bhagalpur and surrounding areas. With regular traffic disrupted, commuters may have to rely on alternative roads or water-based transport during the restoration period.
Bailey Bridge to Be Removed From October 1
The restoration work has been assigned to S.P. Singla Construction Pvt. Ltd., the agency involved in construction of the parallel four-lane bridge.
According to the current plan, Vikramshila Setu will be closed from the night of September 30, followed by the removal of the Bailey bridge from October 1.
The restoration work will then proceed and is expected to take around three months.
During this period, authorities will need to continuously monitor traffic, river conditions and weather. Any change in the Ganga’s water level or current could also affect the operation of an alternative water route.
Joint Survey Crucial for Traffic Planning
The upcoming joint survey is expected to provide crucial inputs for deciding how passenger movement will be managed during the bridge closure.
The administration will assess whether boats, cruises or other watercraft can provide a practical alternative and what infrastructure and safety arrangements would be required.
Once the survey report is submitted, authorities are expected to finalise the alternative travel arrangements.
The temporary closure is likely to create traffic challenges for commuters over the next three months, but the restoration work is aimed at improving the bridge’s long-term condition and connectivity.
