Vikramshila Setu, a key bridge in Bhagalpur that connects north and south Bihar, is on the verge of collapse after at least three key pillars suffered structural damage. According to reports, the protective structures of pillars 17, 18 and 19 were damaged, with the protective wall of one pillar completely collapsed.
Three columns damaged
The retaining wall (false wall) that protects the pillars of this massive bridge has started collapsing, PTI reported. The protective shield of one of the piers of the bridge was completely destroyed, while the walls around two other piers were severely damaged, she added.
Local media reports said the damage was caused by currents in the Ganga River and has become a major safety concern for the thousands of commuters who use the bridge every day.
Videos posted on social media showed vehicular movement over the Vikramshila Setu continuing unabated despite the risk posed by the damaged walls.
Request ordered
Bhagalpur District Magistrate Naval Kishore Choudhary ordered an inquiry into the condition of the bridge.
“We will inquire into the issue and whatever action is needed will be taken in consultation with the concerned department. We will also call an expert team and take further action based on their recommendations,” Choudhary told PTI.
Vikramshila Setu
Vikramshila Setu was inaugurated in 2001 and connects NH 33 and NH 31. The 4.4 km long bridge also connects Bhagalpur with Purnia and Katihar.
Built for a price ₹838 crore, Vikramshila Setu is the sixth longest water bridge in India.
Opposition attacks Bihar government
Responding to reports of damage to a key bridge, Congress MLA Ajit Sharma said the Bihar government had not resolved the issue despite repeated reminders.
“We have written letters about this earlier. Now the pillars of the bridge and the protective wall around them are being damaged. If this damage continues, the bridge may be in serious danger and thousands of lives may be at risk. But the Bihar government is still not paying attention to it,” he said.
RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha also attacked the government recalling the past case of bridge collapse in Bihar.
“Let’s make a list of how many bridges have collapsed in the last few years… In fact the bridge has not collapsed… this is corruption and no one will discuss it… If we were in government, it would have become a topic of debate 24/7,” Jha told ANI.
