Bridge Collapse in Bhagalpur: Probe Ordered on Vikramshila Setu

Late at night in Bhagalpur, a portion of the Vikramshila Setu, the long bridge spanning the Ganga that connects the Purvanchal to Seemanchal, collapsed, bringing traffic to a standstill. Officials said a 10-inch expansion joint failed first, and later a slab between pillar 133 gave way and plunged into the river around 12:35 am. There were no casualties and no vehicles on the slab at the time, according to district authorities. The bridge has been sealed from both ends and traffic has been diverted. Authorities advised travellers to use the Munger side as an alternative route and to stay away from the area. The incident triggered a panic in the locality, but quick action by police and district officials helped evacuate people and prevent a larger disaster. A long queue of vehicles had formed on the Vikramshila Setu earlier; the swift response kept the incident from becoming a catastrophe. The Vikramshila Setu is a crucial link between the Purvanchal region and Seemanchal, and its closure is disrupting travel for residents and commuters. Bihar RCD engineers reportedly inspected the bridge’s pillars a few weeks ago, and investigators will examine what caused the slab to subside. District Magistrate Naval Kishore Chaudhary, SSP Pramod Kumar Yadav, and other senior officials rushed to the scene to oversee operations and ensure safe evacuations. A formal probe has been ordered to determine the underlying cause and plan remedial works.

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