Patna/Bhagalpur: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Sunday directed officials to expedite the restoration work of the Vikramshila Setu over the Ganga near Bhagalpur and ensure that vehicular movement on the bridge resumes by November 30 without any exception. He also ordered that no parking fee be charged from private two-wheelers and four-wheelers until traffic on the bridge is fully restored and operating smoothly.
Review of Shrawani Mela-2026 Preparations
Samrat issued these directions while chairing a review meeting at Samiksha Bhawan in Bhagalpur to assess preparations for the Shrawani Mela-2026 and review key development projects in the region. During the meeting, he inaugurated and laid the foundation for 84 development projects worth Rs 203 crore.
Highlighting the need for comprehensive arrangements for the annual pilgrimage, the Chief Minister asked officials to ensure time-bound and quality preparations with a focus on the convenience and safety of devotees. Noting that large numbers of pilgrims arrive in Sultanganj from across India and abroad during the mela, he called for adequate police deployment and sufficient availability of doctors across the fair area to strengthen security and medical response.
Development of Dharamshalas and Tourism Integration
He also directed officials to develop a chain of dharamshalas along the Kanwariya Path, including at Suiya, Katoria and Chanan, and integrate them with the tourism policy. The Chief Minister said the facilities should be developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model so that they remain operational throughout the year.
To manage congestion during the mela, Samrat ordered the deployment of adequate police personnel at key locations, including Sultanganj, Tarapur, Belhar, Suiya, Katoria and Chanan. He also directed officials to replace dilapidated electric wires along the Kanwariya Path before the mela begins.
Re-establishment of Vikramshila University
The Chief Minister reviewed issues related to the re-establishment of Vikramshila University. Bhagalpur District Magistrate Nawal Kishor Choudhary presented details regarding land acquisition, requisition and compensation, as well as plans to operate the university temporarily from Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour.
Directing officials to speed up the land acquisition process, Samrat said a letter should be sent to the Centre before June 15. Referring to the institution’s legacy, he said Vikramshila University had a glorious history and should be re-established.
Bhagalpur Ganga Path and Munger Ganga Path
He also directed officials to resolve pending issues related to the proposed Bhagalpur Ganga Path and Munger Ganga Path, stressing that decisions must take into account the area’s status as a dolphin habitat. He added that an elevated corridor would also help address waterlogging in the region.
