Bhagalpur: All types of vehicles are expected to resume movement on the Vikramshila Setu from the New Year, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary said during a media interaction in Bhagalpur on September 16. The government plans to begin removing the Bailey bridge from October 1 and complete casting of the permanent slab by December 31.
Permanent Restoration To Begin In October
Chaudhary said the Ganga’s water level is now receding, allowing the permanent restoration work to move ahead. The existing Bailey bridge will be dismantled from October 1 to facilitate construction of the permanent slab.
The target is to complete the slab work by December 31. Subject to completion of the work and required formalities, normal movement of all vehicles is expected to resume from the New Year.
River Transport During Construction
Removing the Bailey bridge will temporarily affect road connectivity across the Vikramshila Setu. The chief minister said arrangements would be made to maintain connectivity through the Ganga during this period.
The district administration is expected to arrange ships and boats with safety measures to facilitate passenger movement while construction is underway.
Earlier Deadline Was November 30
According to Chaudhary, the original schedule had targeted completion of the work by November 30. The timeline was revised after an unexpected rise in the Ganga’s water level made construction work difficult.
With the river level now falling, authorities are preparing to restart the restoration process on the damaged section.
Bridge Section Collapsed On May 4
A portion of the Vikramshila Setu collapsed into the Ganga during the night of May 3-4 near pillar number 133, bringing regular traffic to a halt. Officials reported no casualties in the incident.
Restricted vehicular movement was restored in June after a Bailey bridge was put into operation. The temporary structure allowed two-wheelers, four-wheelers, light motor vehicles and pickup vans to cross under regulated conditions.
Key Link For North And South Bihar
The Vikramshila Setu is an important road link between Bhagalpur and the Kosi-Seemanchal region. Its disruption has affected passenger movement and the transport of goods across the wider region.
With permanent restoration now scheduled to progress from October, commuters will be closely watching the December 31 target and the proposed resumption of unrestricted traffic in the New Year.
