Bhagalpur/Patna: Bihar Road Construction Minister Kumar Shailendra on Sunday inaugurated four Bailey bridges built on the Vikramshila Setu in Bhagalpur and formally dedicated them to the public.
The bridges were constructed following damage to sections of the bridge deck that disrupted traffic movement on one of Bihar’s most important road links across the Ganges.
Speaking at the inauguration, Shailendra said the project had been completed in record time through the coordinated efforts of the state government, district administration, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the Road Construction Department and other agencies.
He also acknowledged the support of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary in facilitating the work.
Emergency Response To Bridge Damage
According to the minister, the government moved quickly after damage to slabs on the Vikramshila Setu created difficulties for commuters and affected connectivity in the region.
He said four steel Bailey bridges were designed, constructed and made operational within approximately 16 to 20 days.
Describing the project as an example of rapid infrastructure deployment during an emergency, Shailendra said the temporary structures would help restore normal traffic movement and reduce inconvenience for residents.
“The government’s priority is to provide safe, accessible and uninterrupted transportation facilities to the public,” he said.
He added that the commissioning of the bridges would benefit lakhs of people in Bhagalpur and neighbouring districts who rely on the route for daily travel and commerce.
Permanent Repairs Planned
Responding to questions about the damaged portion of the Vikramshila Setu, the minister said a permanent reconstruction plan was being pursued and would be completed within the timeframe set by the state government.
He said the Chief Minister had committed to restoring the affected section of the bridge and that reconstruction work would be carried out accordingly.
The Vikramshila Setu is a crucial transport corridor linking north and south Bihar, and any disruption to traffic on the bridge has significant economic and logistical consequences for the region.
Daily Monitoring Ordered
The minister directed officials to carry out regular inspections and maintenance of all four Bailey bridges to ensure continued safety and reliability.
He instructed engineers to undertake necessary repair and maintenance work during a one-hour night-time block each day to minimise disruption to traffic.
Shailendra also ordered daily drone-based inspections of the structures so that any emerging issues could be identified and addressed promptly.
Officials And Engineers Felicitated
During the inauguration ceremony, officials, engineers and personnel associated with the project were honoured for their contribution to the construction effort.
Representatives of the Border Roads Organisation, district administration, police administration and the Road Construction Department were among those felicitated for their role in completing the bridges within a short period.
The opening of the Bailey bridges is expected to provide immediate relief to commuters while authorities continue work on a permanent solution for the damaged section of the Vikramshila Setu.
