BHAGALPUR, May 21: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has successfully launched a 170-ft Bailey bridge over the damaged span of the Vikramshila Setu in Bhagalpur, Bihar, restoring crucial connectivity across the River Ganga and providing major relief to affected residents of North and South Bihar.
Vikramshila Setu, a 4.88-km-long bridge connecting NH-33 (Old NH-80) and NH-31, serves as a vital transportation lifeline for Bhagalpur and adjoining regions. Traffic movement was severely disrupted following the collapse of a 34-metre navigational span of the bridge, affecting public mobility and essential services.
Responding to the urgent situation, the Government of Bihar sought immediate assistance from the Ministry of Defence for deployment of emergency bridging solutions. The restoration work was subsequently entrusted to the BRO.
BRO’s Project Swastik undertook the challenging task on a war footing and completed the launch of the 170-ft Bailey bridge within a short span of time. Officials stated that two additional Bailey bridges, requisitioned by the State Government, will also be launched shortly over other distressed spans of the Vikramshila Setu.
Additional Director General Border Roads (East), Jitendra Prasad visited the bridge site on Wednesday to inspect the progress of restoration work. During the visit, he expressed satisfaction over the pace of construction and assured the State administration of the timely completion of the remaining bridges.
Prior to the site inspection, Jitendra Prasad held a meeting in Patna with Secretary, Road Construction Department, Bihar, Pankaj Kumar Pal. Managing Director of BRPNNL, Jitendra Kumar, and Superintending Engineer, BRO, Bipin Kumar Chand also attended the meeting.
The Bihar Government has expressed gratitude to the BRO for its swift intervention and rapid construction efforts. Officials said the restoration of connectivity is expected to ease transportation hardships, ensure continuity of essential services and bring relief to the local population.
The successful launch once again highlights the BRO’s capability to respond effectively during infrastructural emergencies while reinforcing its role in nation-building and strategic connectivity development.