A Bailey bridge constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) was inaugurated on Sunday, 7 June in Bhagalpur, Bihar, restoring vehicular connectivity nearly a month after a portion of the Vikramshila Setu collapsed, leaving residents reliant on boats and makeshift arrangements. The bridge, built in roughly 20 days, marks the completion of approximately four bridge spans launched at the site under challenging summer conditions.

How the Collapse Unfolded

According to Brigadier Amit Sakhre, Chief of Project at BRO, one span of the Vikramshila Setu collapsed on 3 May, with the remaining three spans also sustaining damage. BRO reconnaissance and planning teams were mobilised to the site by 6 May, and construction of the first bridge began on 16 May. Sakhre noted that completing the work in the region's intense summer heat was 'a special effort.'

Political Coordination and Government Response

Bihar Minister Kumar Shailendra credited Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary with personally reaching out to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to expedite the restoration. 'The Chief Minister spoke to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and fulfilled the commitment made to the public. Our BRO team, the district administration, and the public worked in coordination and provided full support for this project,' the minister said. He added that personnel worked 'in challenging circumstances to complete the project at the earliest.'

Traffic Movement and Local Administration

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vikas Kumar confirmed that traffic movement on the bridge would begin from the day of inauguration itself. He acknowledged the hardships residents faced during the closure — including reliance on boats — and noted that despite increased boat operations, no untoward incident had been reported. The SDM appealed to the public to cooperate with the administration during the initial phase, cautioning that 'certain difficulties may crop up initially after vehicular movement begins.'

Safety Appeal and Traffic Management

DSP Traffic Sanjay Kumar urged commuters to drive sensibly and remain patient, particularly if minor delays occur during the bridge's early operational days. 'Even if there is a delay of five or ten minutes, they should remain patient and follow the guidelines and instructions issued,' he said. Superintending Engineer Vipin Kumar Chand credited seamless coordination 'from top to bottom' for the timely completion, also noting that the local public 'kept faith and patience' throughout the construction period.

What Comes Next

With vehicular access now restored, the focus shifts to monitoring traffic flow and ensuring structural stability during the bridge's initial operational weeks. The Vikramshila Setu collapse had disrupted a key connectivity corridor in Bhagalpur, one of Bihar's major districts, and the Bailey bridge is expected to serve as a critical interim link until longer-term repairs or reconstruction of the original structure are carried out.