Bhagalpur, 01 October (H.S.):

The large-scale operation to remove the temporary Bailey bridge installed across all four spans found to be damaged on the Vikramshila Setu over the Ganga River in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district has begun on a war footing.

To execute the operation, an expert team from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), one of the country’s leading construction agencies, has been brought in from Sikkim.

With the help of heavy-duty, modern cranes, the massive steel girders of the Bailey bridge are being carefully cut and removed one by one.

This time, instead of another temporary arrangement, a highly robust truss bridge will be constructed to make the bridge completely safe and provide a permanent solution.

In the first phase, the old Bailey bridge laid across all four spans is being dismantled using cranes and hydraulic machinery. The process is expected to take around three to five days.

In the second phase, immediately after the Bailey bridge is removed, a strong steel truss structure will be installed over the spans. A truss bridge is capable of carrying the load of heavy vehicles and is designed to remain structurally durable for a long period.

According to the district administration and the construction wing, the entire process—from removing the Bailey bridge to fully installing the new truss bridge and reopening the road to traffic—may take between 15 and 20 days.

The biggest beneficiary of the operation is expected to be inland water transport. The lower section of the Bailey bridge had been obstructing the movement of large cargo vessels and cruise ships on the Ganga River.

With the spans being cleared, the movement of large vessels and transportation of goods on the Ganga has resumed from Thursday. This is expected to be a significant milestone in promoting trade between northeastern India and Kolkata through National Waterway-1.

As the operation is being carried out, the movement of heavy vehicles and, at certain stages, light vehicles across Vikramshila Setu will remain completely suspended or regulated for safety reasons. The administration has therefore made route diversions and alternative arrangements for the convenience of the public.

Considering the prevailing situation, the local administration plans to allow light vehicles to pass through a single lane during selected hours of the day. However, commuters have been advised to use ferry services to avoid traffic congestion.

Vehicles travelling from Naugachia towards Bhagalpur, Banka and Munger have been diverted via Khagaria towards Aguwani Ghat or the Munger Rail-cum-Road Bridge, also known as Shri Krishna Setu.

Vehicles arriving from Purnia and Katihar are being diverted from Kursela towards Narayanpur and thereafter towards the Munger bridge.

For urban commuters, the district administration is operating additional boats between Sabour and Barari ghats and other designated ghats to ensure that passengers do not face difficulties while crossing the Ganga.

The administration has appealed to commuters to remain patient while work is underway on Vikramshila Setu and to avoid travelling towards the bridge unless absolutely necessary. People have been advised to use alternative routes wherever possible.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar