Bhagalpur/Patna: Concerns over the safety of the Vikramshila Bridge in Bhagalpur have intensified after protective walls around several of its pillars were damaged by strong currents of the Ganges.
Officials said the protection structures surrounding pillars 17, 18 and 19 have been affected, with one pillar’s protective wall reportedly collapsing entirely. The damage has raised fears about the long-term stability of the bridge if repairs are not undertaken promptly.
The 4.7km-long bridge, inaugurated in 2001, serves as a crucial link across the Ganges and is used daily by more than 1,00,000 commuters.
Inquiry ordered
Bhagalpur district magistrate Dr Naval Kishore Chaudhary said he had been informed of the situation and has ordered an inquiry. A technical team is being sent to assess the extent of the damage, and further action will be based on its findings.
Officials from the concerned department have already conducted a preliminary inspection and submitted a report to headquarters.
Earlier concerns over structural gaps
The latest development comes amid earlier reports of widening gaps in the bridge’s expansion joints. According to sources, the gaps, which were originally between 1 and 2 inches, had expanded to nearly 6 inches in some sections.
Retired engineers have attributed the damage to sustained pressure from strong river currents, as well as the movement of large vessels. During periods of flooding, these pressures are said to increase significantly, heightening the risk to the bridge’s structural components.
Experts warn that continued erosion of protective structures could affect the pillars themselves, underscoring the need for timely intervention to ensure commuter safety and preserve the integrity of one of the region’s key transport links.
