"Bihar Officials Confirm Safety of Bhagalpur’s Vikramshila Setu Amid False Wall Collapse Scare"

Structural Safety of Vikramshila Setu in Bihar Confirmed by District Administration

The district administration in Bihar's Bhagalpur has addressed concerns regarding the structural safety of the Vikramshila Setu, an important bridge coecting north and south Bihar across the Ganga river.

Speculation arose after a section of a "false wall" beneath the bridge reportedly collapsed, prompting worries about the integrity of the structure. However, after a detailed inspection by engineers from the bridge construction corporation, it has been confirmed that there are no defects in the main structure of the bridge.

Gyan Chandra Das, Senior Project Engineer in Bhagalpur, stated, "No defect has been found in the main structure of the bridge." The fallen component was clarified to be a temporary part of the construction and not part of the bridge's core framework.

The collapsed section was identified as a temporary "false wall" erected during the construction phase to reduce water pressure. It was meant to be dismantled after completion, but some portions remained, leading to the recent collapse. Engineers emphasized that the visible damage was limited to the outer protective layer, known as "jacketing," and not the load-bearing core of the bridge.

They reassured the public that there is no need for reconstruction of these outer walls, as deterioration over time is expected. The administration confirmed ongoing assessments by senior engineers and reiterated that the bridge is safe for public use.

The Vikramshila Setu, spaing 47 kilometers and linking Bhagalpur with Naugachia, serves as a crucial transport route supporting local and interstate traffic, including heavy commercial movement towards northeastern states. Despite recent concerns raised about cracks and damage to protective structures around its pillars, officials maintain that the bridge is structurally sound and safe.

The administration denounced reports of structural damage to the bridge's pillars as "incorrect" and urged the public to disregard rumors. With a history of bridge collapses in Bihar, steps are being taken to ensure better construction quality and maintenance practices to uphold public safety.

Himanshu Harsh, a correspondent with The Indian Express, is leading the coverage in Bihar with a focus on investigative reporting. His background in law, crime, and civic governance brings a unique perspective to his reporting, rooted in rigorous academic training at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) in Delhi.

Specializing in diverse beats such as civic affairs, automotive industry updates, and human interest stories, Himanshu's reporting style reflects a deep understanding of social dynamics and technological trends. His coverage provides a comprehensive view of Bihar's infrastructure challenges and the ongoing efforts to ensure public safety.

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