Patna: Traffic movement on Bihar’s Vikramshila Setu will be completely suspended from the night of September 30, 2026, as authorities prepare to remove four Bailey bridges installed on damaged sections of the bridge.
An 80-member team from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is scheduled to arrive in Bhagalpur on September 25 to begin technical and administrative preparations for the operation. The dismantling work is scheduled to start on October 1.
Administration Asked To Make Arrangements
The Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam Limited (BRPNNL) has sought support from the Bhagalpur district administration for the BRO team.
The Senior Project Engineer of BRPNNL’s Bhagalpur division has requested arrangements for accommodation, medical facilities, security, drinking water, toilets and other basic amenities.
The administration has been asked to arrange four rooms at the Circuit House for officials, along with suitable accommodation for other members of the team.
Medical And Safety Measures
The removal of the Bailey bridges will involve work over the Ganges and the use of heavy machinery and technical equipment.
BRPNNL has requested the deployment of a doctor and paramedical staff, along with accommodation for two doctors and essential life-saving medicines.
Police personnel and magistrates have also been sought at both ends of the bridge, at Barari and Naugachia, to manage security and facilitate the movement of machinery and workers.
SDRF Boat To Remain On Standby
Given the river conditions, the authorities have also sought round-the-clock deployment of an SDRF speedboat beneath the bridge.
The boat is expected to be equipped with life jackets and divers to enable immediate rescue operations in case of an emergency during the dismantling work.
Permanent Restoration To Follow
The removal of the four Bailey bridges will clear the damaged sections for permanent restoration of the main span.
The Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation will undertake the restoration work using modern technology, with the broader objective of repairing the damaged portion and restoring safe traffic movement.
With the bridge scheduled to close from the night of September 30, commuters travelling between Bhagalpur and Naugachia will need to use alternative routes and plan their journeys accordingly.
