The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and Military Engineering Services (MES) have commenced construction of a temporary Bailey bridge on the collapsed portion of Vikramshila Setu over the Ganga river in Bhagalpur, aiming to restore connectivity. The Bailey bridge is designed to support vehicles weighing up to 10 tonnes, allowing the movement of light vehicles, including four-wheelers and two-wheelers.
Bridge Specifications and Workforce
According to sources, the temporary bridge will be nearly 50 metres long and 5 metres wide to ensure smooth passage of vehicles. Approximately 100 BRO personnel, including engineers, mechanical staff, and technical experts with expertise in fabrication of iron and steel structures, have been deployed for the assembly work on the river.
Background of the Collapse
The decision to construct the Bailey bridge was taken after the RCC slab of Vikramshila Setu collapsed on May 4. The collapse disrupted connectivity between south Bihar and the Seemanchal region in north Bihar via Bhagalpur.
Following the collapse, a structural and safety audit was conducted by teams led by experts from the BRO under the Union Ministry of Defence; MES; engineering experts from IITs; Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam Limited (BRPNNL); and the National Highway Division of the road construction department. Subsequently, authorities decided to construct an iron-frame Bailey bridge to restore connectivity at the damaged section on a fast-track basis.
Material and Fabrication
Iron frames, girder beams, equipment, and high-load-bearing cranes were transported from BRO centres in the north east over the past week. Fabrication work for the bridge began on Sunday.
Official Statements
Bhagalpur District Magistrate Nawal Kishor Choudhary said, 'The work to build a Bailey bridge on the collapsed section of Vikramshila Setu has started and is being carried out on a war footing by the BRO.'
'All types of materials, machines, and technical resources are being continuously deployed for the temporary Bailey bridge. The district administration and police officials are extending full cooperation to the team,' the DM added.
He further said, 'The BRO is making every possible effort to restore traffic movement on Vikramshila Setu at the earliest.'
'The strength of the portion where the Bailey bridge is being constructed is also being continuously checked. Load testing of the Bailey bridge and its capacity to withstand vehicular pressure will be examined before allowing traffic movement,' the DM concluded.
