Vikramshila Bridge Safe: Administration Debunks Collapse Rumors, New Bridge Underway

• Reports of a protective wall collapsing near pillar 19 of Vikramshila Setu were debunked; it was a temporary 'false wall', not part of the main structure.
• Sadar SDO Vikas Kumar confirmed the bridge is completely safe with no technical damage to its piers, calling social media rumors misleading.
• The 4.7 km Vikramshila Setu, inaugurated in 2001, is a vital economic link connecting Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and northeastern states, handling over 35,000 vehicles daily.
• Despite safety assurances, the 26-year-old bridge faces concerns over vibrations from heavy vehicles due to bearing and expansion joint issues, requiring comprehensive repair.
• A new 4-lane parallel bridge, costing 1,700 crore rupees, is under construction next to the old one, expected to be completed by 2027-2028 to alleviate traffic and load.