Vikramshila Setu in Bihar to close for three months for bridge repairs

The Vikramshila Setu in Bhagalpur, Bihar, will close to traffic for three months starting October 1 to facilitate the construction of a permanent steel truss bridge. Road Construction Department Minister Engineer Kumar Shailendra announced that while the decision was previously made by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, implementation was delayed due to flood conditions.

To mitigate the impact on commuters traveling between Bhagalpur and the Seemanchal region across the Ganga River, the government has arranged for 12 large vessels to operate free of charge on a 24-hour basis.

The bridge has been closed to traffic since May 3, following the collapse of a slab between two pillars. The upcoming construction aims to provide a long-term solution and will include infrastructure upgrades such as new railings, a repaired road surface, improved expansion joints, and enhanced lighting.