Repair work on Bhagalpur's Vikramshila Setu is showing signs of further delay, with completion within the scheduled deadline becoming increasingly difficult. The target is to complete the repairs by January 14, but beam-cutting work is still underway in two of the bridge's four sections. The subsequent installation of new girders is expected to take around 15 days. As a result, commuters waiting for traffic to resume on the bridge may have to face further inconvenience.
Vikramshila Setu is considered a lifeline for Bhagalpur, connecting the city with Naugachia and several districts in the Seemanchal region. It is also an important route for vehicles travelling to and from North Bihar.
The suspension of traffic due to repair work has been causing difficulties for thousands of people every day. Employees, students and business owners are relying on alternative routes to reach their destinations.
Repair work on the damaged sections of the bridge is being carried out across four separate sections. At present, beam-cutting work is underway in two of them. The process involves cutting and removing old and damaged beams to make way for the installation of new girders. The repairs are being carried out under technical supervision, keeping the structural strength of the bridge in consideration.
Once beam-cutting work is completed, the installation of new girders will begin. This process is expected to take around 15 days.
Several technical procedures will also have to be completed before the bridge can reopen after the girders are installed. These include strengthening the joints and conducting safety-related inspections of the bridge.
Considering the time required for these activities, completing the entire repair work by January 14 is becoming increasingly challenging.
The closure of Vikramshila Setu is affecting people in Bhagalpur as well as those in neighbouring districts. Travellers heading towards Naugachia and Purnia have to cover longer distances because of the closure.
Increased vehicle movement on alternative routes has also led to traffic congestion at several locations. Goods vehicles are facing particular difficulties, with transportation taking longer and freight costs increasing.
The continued closure of the bridge is affecting local businesses and daily commuting. People travelling to Bhagalpur for work are facing difficulties in reaching their destinations on time.
The use of alternative routes is also increasing travel time for patients being taken to hospitals and for the transportation of essential goods.
Attention is now focused on the pace of repair work and the timeline for reopening the bridge. The estimated 15-day period required for girder installation following beam cutting has raised further uncertainty over meeting the scheduled deadline.
However, repair work is being carried out with due caution, keeping the safety of the bridge in mind. Local residents hope that the pace of construction will be accelerated so that traffic can resume on Vikramshila Setu as soon as possible.
