The connectivity between the Kosi-Seemanchal region, east Bihar, and south Bihar, which has been disrupted since the collapse of a portion of the Vikramshila Setu earlier this month, is expected to be restored by the first week of June. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is constructing a temporary Bailey bridge on a war footing to achieve this.
Progress of Bailey Bridge Construction
The BRO began work on the iron-frame Bailey bridge on May 16 at the collapsed section of the bridge over the river Ganga. This followed the caving in of nearly 33 metres of RCC slab on the intervening night of May 3 and May 4. The collapse severed the road link between Bhagalpur and the Kosi-Seemanchal region, severely impacting the movement of people, trade, and transport operations extending to eastern Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, and the northeastern states.
Structural Audit and Decision
After the incident, teams comprising experts from the BRO, Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam Limited (BRPNNL), and the national highway division of the road construction department conducted a structural and safety audit of the bridge. Based on the findings, the BRO decided to install a Bailey bridge to restore traffic at the earliest possible time.
Administration's Monitoring
Bhagalpur District Magistrate Nawal Kishor Choudhary stated that the administration is closely monitoring the construction work round the clock. “Our endeavour is to ensure that the Bailey bridge is completed by the first week of June and starts functioning by June 5,” Choudhary said. He added that the construction is progressing rapidly, and major portions of the temporary structure have already been completed.
“In all likelihood, the bridge will be launched within the next few days. Regulated movement of small vehicles and light motor vehicles (LMVs) may start by June 5 to provide relief to the people of the region,” he said. Choudhary further mentioned that load testing and safety checks will be conducted before traffic movement is allowed on the bridge.
Alternative Arrangements for Heavy Vehicles
He noted that the movement of heavy commercial vehicles will continue through cargo vessels and ships, which are also expected to be commissioned shortly. This measure is intended to ensure that essential goods and supplies are not disrupted during the interim period.
Inspection by Officials
Earlier, the road construction department principal secretary, Pankaj Pal, along with senior district officials, the newly appointed divisional commissioner, and BRO officials, inspected the progress of the ongoing construction work. The inspection aimed to ensure that the project stays on schedule and meets safety standards.
