Patna: Bihar’s Road Construction Department has directed officials to accelerate restoration work on the Vikramshila Setu, setting a target of November 30, 2026, to restore the bridge to its original condition while also reviewing progress on the under-construction Sultanganj-Aguwani Ganga Bridge.
The directions were issued during a high-level review meeting chaired by Pankaj Kumar Pal, Secretary of the Road Construction Department, on Friday.
Vikramshila Setu Restoration Reviewed
The meeting examined the technical aspects of the Vikramshila Setu restoration, including reconstruction work, the status of the temporary Bailey bridge and the inspection of the bridge’s bearings.
Officials from the department, including Dharmendra Kumar, Chairman of the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation Limited, bridge expert Alok Bhaumik, and representatives of the executing agency attended the review.
According to the department, construction materials are being transported to the site and a dedicated team has been deployed with the objective of completing the current phase of work by August 25, 2026.
The dismantling of bridge spans will begin after traffic on the Vikramshila Setu is suspended. The meeting also reviewed an inspection report prepared by IIT Patna.
The Secretary instructed engineers to prioritise repairs to the bridge’s bearings and expansion joints. Discussions were also held on the removal of the Bailey bridge as part of the restoration process.
Pal directed officials and the executing agency to make every effort to complete the restoration within the stipulated deadline.
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Progress Reviewed On Sultanganj-Aguwani Bridge
The Secretary also reviewed the progress of the Sultanganj-Aguwani Ghat Ganga Bridge, a four-lane cable-stayed bridge with a pedestrian walkway being constructed across the Ganges to connect Bhagalpur and Khagaria districts.
The project includes 20.3 kilometres of approach roads, which officials said are at an advanced stage of construction.
During the review, Pal sought detailed updates from engineers and the executing agency on the pace of construction and directed them to expedite the remaining work.
The executing agency informed the department that the bridge remains on track for completion by its previously announced deadline of November 2027.
Pal instructed officials and contractors to maintain close coordination, conduct regular progress reviews and ensure construction quality, warning that negligence at any stage of the project would not be tolerated.
