Fresh concerns have emerged over the structural safety of the Vikramshila Setu, a key bridge spanning the Ganga that connects large parts of north and south Bihar.

The 4.7-km-long bridge, a crucial link for the Seemanchal region, is showing signs of distress as protective structures around its pillars begin to fail. Officials have reported that the “false wall” built to safeguard the pillars from erosion and external impact has started deteriorating. In one instance, the protective layer around a pillar has been completely washed away, while two others have sustained considerable damage.

The development has triggered fresh safety concerns, given the bridge’s strategic importance. Vikramshila Setu connects Bhagalpur on NH-80 to Naugachia on NH-31 and is heavily used by both daily commuters and long-haul commercial vehicles transporting goods between Jharkhand and the northeastern states.

For years, the bridge has operated under intense traffic pressure, often resulting in long queues and delays. Authorities have relied on surveillance systems and on-ground personnel to manage congestion and regulate vehicle movement.

However, with structural vulnerabilities now coming to light, experts warn that traffic management alone may not be sufficient. The visible damage to pillar protection has heightened fears about the bridge’s long-term stability, underlining the need for urgent inspection, repair, and reinforcement measures to ensure commuter safety.