Patna: The first Bailey bridge being installed on the damaged section of the Vikramshila Setu between Bhagalpur and Naugachia is close to completion, raising hopes of an early restoration of traffic on the key route.
Officials said construction work on the temporary bridge is expected to be completed by Saturday, following which technical inspections and safety assessments will be carried out before reopening the stretch for vehicular movement.
Repair work underway round the clock
Repair and reinforcement work on the bridge has been continuing over the past several days with teams working in multiple shifts.
Engineers and labourers have been engaged in preparing ramps, fixing steel plates and completing structural fittings. Authorities said the project has now entered its final stage, with technical and structural testing remaining before operational clearance is granted.
Officials added that traffic would not be allowed until all safety approvals are completed.
Work on second Bailey bridge to begin
Preparations have also been completed for a second Bailey bridge near the P-4 pillar on the Naugachia side of the structure.
Authorities said construction on the second temporary bridge is expected to begin from Sunday. Steel structures, machinery and construction materials required for the work have already reached the site.
Officials believe the completion of both Bailey bridges will significantly improve traffic movement on the route.
IIT Patna monitoring structural condition
A team of experts from IIT Patna is assisting in the project by conducting detailed structural assessments of the bridge.
Using specialised equipment, the team is examining vibrations, cracks and load-bearing capacity, particularly on the Naugachia side where the maximum damage was reported.
Technical experts said no compromise would be made on safety standards and that future permanent repair plans would be decided after detailed evaluation reports are completed.
Traffic disruption affected daily movement and trade
The prolonged disruption on Vikramshila Setu has affected commuters, transport operators and commercial activity in Bhagalpur, Naugachia and nearby districts.
Residents have been forced to use longer alternative routes, while traders have reported increased transportation costs and delays in goods movement.
Local residents expressed hope that restoration of traffic through the Bailey bridge would ease congestion and help normalise transport and business activity in the region.
Officials said the administration is continuing to monitor the situation closely and expedite repair work to restore safe movement at the earliest.
