Bhagalpur/Patna:The restoration of vehicular movement on Vikramshila Setu may begin shortly, with the construction of the Bailey bridge reaching its final stage. District authorities and technical agencies are preparing for a trial run and load test scheduled for Saturday.
A team of experts is expected to arrive in Bhagalpur on Friday to oversee the assessment. If the bridge successfully clears all technical evaluations, traffic operations could resume from Sunday.
Construction work in final phase
According to officials, the Bailey bridge structure has largely been completed. The Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation is currently carrying out finishing work on the approach road and bridge surface to ensure a smooth passage for vehicles.
The trial was initially planned for Friday but was postponed by a day due to administrative and technical reasons. Preparations are now focused on the testing process.
Static and dynamic load tests planned
During the assessment, experts will evaluate the bridge’s structural strength, stability and load-bearing capacity against prescribed engineering standards.
The testing will include both static and dynamic load assessments. Vehicles carrying predetermined loads will be driven across the bridge while specialised equipment monitors vibration, deflection, stress levels and overall structural response.
Engineers will also examine how the bridge performs under the pressure of heavy vehicles and whether it complies with safety requirements.
Joint monitoring by administration and technical agencies
Officials from the district administration, bridge construction agencies and technical teams will remain present during the trial. Data collected during the exercise will be analysed before a final report is prepared.
Authorities said the bridge will be opened to traffic only after all safety parameters are found satisfactory.
Relief expected for commuters
If the load test is successful, the reopening of the route is expected to provide relief to thousands of commuters in Bhagalpur and neighbouring districts.
Traffic restrictions on Vikramshila Setu have forced travellers to use alternative routes, resulting in longer travel times and additional transport costs. Officials said normal traffic flow is expected to improve once the Bailey bridge becomes operational.
Official statement
“Construction of the Bailey bridge has been completed. On Saturday, the expert team will carry out the trial and load test. If all parameters are found satisfactory, traffic movement will be started,” said Dr Naval Kishore Choudhary, District Magistrate, Bhagalpur.
