First Bailey bridge section ready at Vikramshila Setu

Bhagalpur: With fabrication work on the first of the three Bailey bridge sections at Vikramshila Setu completed by Saturday evening, the possibility of regulated movement of four-wheelers and light motor vehicles (LMVs) on the bridge by June 7 has increased.More than 33 metres of reinforced cement concrete (RCC) slab near pillar number 33, between the P2 and P3 spans of the bridge across the Ganga river in Bhagalpur, had collapsed on May 4. The incident snapped a crucial road link connecting Bhagalpur and south Bihar with the Kosi-Seemanchal region in north Bihar, disrupting movement and trade across nearly 16 districts.Following the collapse, teams of experts and engineers from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), IITs, Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam Limited (BRPNNL) and the National Highway division of the road construction department carried out a structural and safety audit of the bridge. Based on the assessment, authorities decided to construct a temporary Bailey bridge measuring around 50 metres in length and 5 metres in width to restore vehicular movement across the damaged stretch.Experts identified three damaged sections requiring Bailey bridge structures. However, officials are also examining a possible fourth weak section that may need similar reinforcement.Sources said a trial run on foot, followed by light vehicles, is likely to be conducted on the completed first section either Sunday or Monday in the presence of engineering experts. Construction work on the second Bailey bridge section is expected to begin from Sunday, with preparations underway from the Naugachia side for laying iron frame structures.Road construction department minister Kumar Shailendra said BRO teams were working round the clock and expressed hope that Bailey bridge construction would be completed soon. “Regulated movement of four-wheelers and LMVs is likely to begin from the first week of June,” he said.