CM reviews Vikramshila Setu repairs,launches devpt projects in Bhagalpur

Bhagalpur: In his first visit to Bhagalpur after becoming chief minister (CM), Samrat Choudhary on Sunday inspected the progress of the Bailey bridge being built over the collapsed portion of the Vikramshila Setu across the Ganga. During a review meeting at the district collectorate, he unveiled and laid the foundation for 84 development projects worth Rs 203 crore.Samrat also inspected the parallel bridge under construction adjacent to the Vikramshila Setu and directed the executing agency to expedite work in view of the disruption caused by the collapse of a section of the existing bridge.The CM asked engineers of the National Highways division under the road construction department and experts of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which is constructing the Bailey bridge, to restore road connectivity at the earliest, preferably by the first week of June. The temporary bridge is expected to allow restricted movement of four-wheelers, light motor vehicles and two-wheelers.Earlier in the day, Samrat arrived in Bhagalpur by helicopter from Patna. He was accompanied by senior officials, including chief secretary Pratyay Amrit, to review ongoing development projects and direct officials to ensure timely implementation of schemes in the district.The CM also reviewed preparations for Shrawani Mela 2026 and assessed arrangements for pilgrims travelling from Sultanganj to Deoghar. He asked officials to ensure a hassle-free pilgrimage by improving trekking routes, rest facilities, healthcare, sanitation, drinking water supply, police patrolling and law-and-order management.During the meeting, Samrat unveiled 69 completed projects worth Rs 97 crore and laid the foundation for 15 projects worth Rs 106 crore in Bhagalpur district.In a brief interaction with reporters, Samrat said the Bailey bridge on the Vikramshila Setu would become operational soon and remain toll-free under restricted traffic movement for four-wheelers and other permitted vehicles.Setting a deadline of Nov 30, 2026, for the complete repair of the reinforced cement concrete slabs of the damaged Vikramshila Setu, Samrat said the bridge would undergo a structural and safety audit after restoration and would then be reopened for all categories of vehicles.