A major accident was narrowly avoided in Bihar’s Bhagalpur after a portion of the Vikramshila Bridge suddenly collapsed and fell into the Ganges River. Fortunately, authorities had already taken precautionary measures and cleared people from the bridge in time, preventing any casualties. Reports indicate that the slab gave way nearly 15 minutes after the evacuation, highlighting the effectiveness of the swift administrative response.
Following the incident, officials immediately shut down the bridge from both ends, completely halting movement between Bhagalpur and Naugachia. All vehicular traffic has been suspended for safety reasons. Authorities stated that arranging an alternative route overnight was not feasible, and commuters have been advised to use the Munger route for travel.
Constructed in 2001 at an estimated cost of ₹200 crore, the 4.5-kilometre-long bridge serves as a crucial link in the region, supporting daily travel for thousands of vehicles and countless residents. The incident has once again underscored the urgent need for robust infrastructure and consistent maintenance practices.
