Preparations are underway to speed up the repair of Vikramshila Bridge, the main link connecting North and South Bihar. Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation has also roped in Delhi-based firm Mangalam to remove the damaged stretches and replace them with new structures. Now Met Associates of Maharashtra and Mangalam Firm of Delhi will work together to remove the weak span of the bridge. Meanwhile, the process of launching the steel girder weighing about 200 tonnes and about 24 meters long has also started. Efforts are being made to expedite the process of safely reopening the bridge to traffic by working in parallel on different stages of repair.
Vikramshila Bridge plays an important role in connecting Bhagalpur with Navgachia, Katihar, Purnia and other parts of North Bihar. Due to traffic disruption on the bridge, daily commuters, truck drivers, traders and other travelers are forced to use alternative routes. Therefore, the speed of repair work and safe restoration of the bridge has become vital for the entire region. The management and technical teams are challenged to complete the work of removing the damaged portions, installing new girders and preparing the slab as per the prescribed technical standards.
Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation has appointed another expert agency to speed up the repair work. Maharashtra-based Matt Associates and Delhi-based firm Mangalam will jointly participate in the removal of the weak span. This is expected to enable simultaneous progress of work in different parts of the workplace and more efficient use of available time. However, the actual speed of work will also depend on weather conditions, technical inspections, availability of heavy equipment and safety requirements at each stage.
Modern machinery is being used to remove the damaged portion of the bridge. Diamond wire saw technology is being used for controlled cutting of concrete and slabs. Apart from this, necessary holes are being made by drilling in the slab, so that the cutting work can proceed as per plan. Special care must be taken in this process, as removing weak parts should not put undue stress on the rest of the bridge structure.
The heavy debris generated from the repair work is also being disposed of in a planned manner. To prevent the broken concrete and slab pieces from falling into the Ganga, with the help of barges or special cargo boats, the debris is being transported through the river to the yard of SP Singla in Burari. This can help reduce the problem of debris accumulation at work sites and prevent river pollution. It is also important to follow environmental precautions during this huge construction going on in the river area.
On the other hand, the process of preparing and installing new steel girders on the bridge has started. With the help of heavy cranes, various parts of the girder are being transported from barges to the bridge from the yard located at Burari towards Navgachia Toka. By connecting these parts near the bridge, the girder has to be made as per the prescribed size and structure. This steel girder weighing approximately 200 tonnes and measuring approximately 24 meters in length will play an important role in the rehabilitation of the damaged area. Lifting such a heavy structure and placing it in place requires special equipment, technical supervision and coordination.
Shashi Bhushan, Secretary, Planning and Administration Department of Bihar State Pool Construction Corporation, reached the spot to take stock of the launching process of the steel girder. According to officials, both cutting and assembly of girders are going on simultaneously as per the schedule of SP Singha Company. The purpose of performing these two processes together is to reduce the time taken between different stages of repair. However, structural safety and technical standards will need to be checked before completing each phase.
During the renovation of Vikramshila Bridge, it is also considered important to follow the original design of the bridge. This bridge was originally constructed by Uttar Pradesh Setu Nigam. Therefore, technical evaluation of the original designs and drawings is being done while removing the weak parts and installing new structures. This will help determine how new girders and other structures should be installed so as not to put additional stress on other parts of the bridge. The repair work needs to be completed in phases and carefully, keeping in mind the structural condition of the old bridge.
Simply installing new girders will not suffice in this repair process. After removing the damaged slab, it will also be necessary to install the new structure at the correct level, complete the necessary concrete work and carry out technical inspection after achieving the prescribed strength. Before resuming vehicular traffic on the bridge, the concerned experts will have to ensure that the repaired section is capable of bearing the prescribed load and safety standards. Therefore, priority is being given to quality and structural safety along with meeting the deadline for completion of work.
Due to the closure of Vikramshila Bridge, citizens traveling between Bhagalpur and Navgachia are facing problems. Alternative routes may increase travel time and impact freight traffic. Safety and availability are important for passengers using Ganga boat services and other alternative modes. During the repair work, the administration is facing the challenge of maintaining a balance between traffic management, passenger convenience and safe operation of the construction.
Appointment of additional expert body, expediting removal of weak spans and launching of heavy steel girders are efforts to advance the repair of Vikramshila Setu. Further progress will depend on how quickly the phase of removing damaged parts, installing new girders and preparing the slab is completed. After the renovation of the bridge, the citizens of North Bihar and Seemanchal including Bhagalpur are expected to get relief. However, the final decision to start safe transportation will depend on the technical inspection and approval of the concerned authorities.