Bihar Deploys Safety Measures for Boat Service Amid Bridge Work

Effective midnight on 30 September, the Vikramshila Bridge will be closed for a major reconstruction project overseen by the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation. A temporary Bailey bridge is slated to be erected from 1 October, with four Spanish deck‑type truss girders already fabricated and stored at Barari Ghat. Sensor equipment for the project has also been finalized.

In response to the expected traffic bottleneck, district officials have launched a river cruise on the Ganga linking Bhagalpur and Navgachia. The District Magistrate directed the District Transport Officer to place Motor Vehicle Inspectors and Enforcement Supervisors at each boarding and de‑boarding spot to monitor and enforce safety regulations.

Designated ferry ghats – Biyada, Babupur and Jhanvi Chowk – will be equipped with MVI, ESI, police, SDRF personnel and medical staff. Private kiosks are strictly prohibited, while a "Jeevika Didi" kitchen will provide clean, affordable meals for travelers.

For added security, Barari Ghat will feature reinforced barricades, CCTV cameras will be installed at all identified ghats, and clear directional posters will be posted across the city to guide commuters.