Patna: The Bihar government has initiated the process of restoring the Vikramshila Setu in Bhagalpur, with IIT Roorkee set to carry out a comprehensive structural assessment before repair work begins.
The Road Construction Department and the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation have accelerated preparations for the restoration project, saying the bridge’s current condition must first be evaluated to determine the scope of repairs.
IIT Roorkee To Conduct Structural Assessment
According to officials, IIT Roorkee has been entrusted with carrying out a detailed technical inspection of the bridge.
Experts from the institute will examine the bridge’s superstructure, spans, pillars and other structural components to assess its integrity and identify any defects requiring attention.
The findings will form the basis for the restoration design and engineering plan.
Officials said an agreement has been reached between the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation and IIT Roorkee, and an expert team is expected to begin inspections shortly.
Restoration Follows Span Collapse
The assessment comes nearly two months after a span of the Vikramshila Setu collapsed into the Ganges on May 3, 2026, disrupting traffic across one of Bihar’s most important road links.
To restore limited connectivity, authorities constructed a temporary Bailey bridge, allowing the movement of small vehicles to resume from June 7.
The government is now preparing a permanent restoration plan aimed at making the bridge fully operational once again.
You may like to read this article as well:
Major Scare In Bhagalpur As Vikramshila Setu Slab Collapses, Traffic Halted
Repairs Planned After Monsoon
Department officials said IIT Roorkee is expected to complete its assessment within three to four weeks.
Based on the institute’s recommendations, restoration work is scheduled to begin after monsoon season, with the government targeting completion by November 2026.
Once repairs are finished, authorities expect the bridge to reopen for all categories of vehicles.
You may like to read this article as well:
Bailey Bridges On Bhagalpur’s Vikramshila Setu Open To Public After Record-Time Construction
Key Link Across The Ganges
Vikramshila Setu is one of Bihar’s most important transport links, connecting North and South Bihar across the Ganges while also facilitating road connectivity with neighbouring Jharkhand.
Any disruption to traffic on the bridge affects thousands of commuters, traders and businesses that rely on the route each day.
Officials said the objective of the technical assessment is to ensure that the restoration not only repairs the damaged structure but also enhances the bridge’s long-term safety and durability.
