Bhagalpur: Vikramshila Setu was closed to vehicular traffic at midnight on Thursday for restoration work, cutting off a key road connection between Bhagalpur and the Kosi-Seemanchal region for the next three months.
Police placed iron barricades near the Housing Colony intersection on the bridge approach shortly after midnight, following administrative orders to stop all traffic.
Until 11:57pm, vehicles were still crossing the Ganges bridge. Within minutes, the approach was sealed and motorists were stopped from proceeding further.
Closure Draws Crowds
By around 9:30pm, residents and commuters had gathered near the bridge approach as news of the impending closure spread.
Traffic continued normally until about 10:30pm, with several motorists stopping to confirm the closure time with police personnel. Officers told them that the bridge would be sealed at midnight.
At around midnight, eight to 10 vehicles approaching from the Naugachia side were allowed through as barricades were being put in place. A motorcycle travelling at speed subsequently skidded on the approach road, leaving its rider critically injured.
Stranded Travellers Forced To Detour
Around 12:10am, a convoy of 10 to 12 vehicles arriving from the bypass was stopped at the barricades.
Among those stranded was Upendra, who was returning to Araria with his family after taking his daughter to Ranchi for medical treatment. He pleaded with police to allow them to cross, but officers said they were acting under strict instructions from senior officials.
The family was eventually forced to take a roughly 160km diversion through Munger. Other motorists faced a similar disruption after the bridge closure.
Heavy Machinery Arrives
Heavy equipment, including Poclain excavators and Hydra and other cranes, had reached the access road by around 8pm in preparation for the restoration work.
At about 12:15am, police temporarily opened the barricades to allow the machinery to proceed towards the work site.
According to the Bridge Construction Corporation, a technical team from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is scheduled to begin dismantling the Bailey bridge on Thursday morning as part of the restoration operation.
Concerns Ahead Of Festivals
The closure has also raised concerns among residents and regular commuters ahead of Durga Puja and Chhath.
Chhotu Kumar and Ashish Kumar, residents of Barari, said the closure would make it difficult for them to travel to the Tetri Durga Fair. They also pointed to the disruption faced by people who normally travel towards Naugachia during Chhath.
Devu Bhagat of Chausa in Madhepura and Mukesh Kumar, a pickup truck driver from Jagatpur in Naugachia, said the diversion through Munger would increase travel time and fuel costs.
The closure is expected to remain in force for three months while the restoration work on the bridge is carried out.
