In the wake of the structural failure at Vikramshila Setu, the Bhagalpur district administration has launched a free ferry service to assist thousands of stranded commuters. The decision came after a portion of the bridge slab near pole 133 collapsed into the Ganga River on Sunday night, forcing an immediate and total shutdown of the bridge. District Magistrate Dr. Naval Kishore Choudhary stated that the government-operated boats would run from sunrise to sunset to provide a safe alternative for the public.
Stringent safety protocols have been implemented for the boat service, including a strict limit of 50 passengers per vessel to prevent overloading and potential accidents. Senior police officials have been deployed at various Ganga ghats to manage the crowds and ensure order. While the ferry service provides some relief, the closure of the bridge has led to significant logistical challenges for those traveling to Purnia and Katihar. The administration has urged citizens to cooperate with the authorities and follow safety guidelines at the riverbanks as engineers begin evaluating the bridge’s integrity.
