The recent collapse of a section of the Vikramshila Setu in Bhagalpur has sparked a heated debate regarding infrastructure maintenance in Bihar. Expert investigations and a previous report by a team from IIT Delhi had already flagged critical issues with the bridge’s ball bearings and structural integrity. Despite these warnings and the preparation of repair estimates, the collapse occurred before restoration work could commence. Technical experts suggest that ‘alligator cracking’ and the shifting of ball bearings were primary factors that compromised the stability of the span between pillars 4 and 5. The bridge was built by the Uttar Pradesh Bridge Corporation and had been operational for 25 years, but critics argue that consistent neglect and the lack of timely repairs turned this vital link into a disaster zone.
The state government has faced sharp criticism for the delay in maintenance, especially since the District Magistrate had formalised concerns regarding the bridge’s health months ago. While the administration points toward the planned reconstruction of backwalls scheduled for 2026, the structural failure suggests that the damage was far more deep-seated than initially assessed. Currently, the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) and bridge corporation officials are conducting a joint inspection to evaluate if other sections of the 4.7-km bridge are at risk. The collapse highlights a recurring theme of infrastructure vulnerability in the region, emphasizing the urgent need for a more proactive maintenance protocol for aging structures across the Ganges.
