Technical Failure: 3 Months to Repair Bhagalpur’s Vikramshila Bridge

Structural experts investigating the damage to the Vikramshila Bridge have pointed toward serious engineering issues, including ‘alligator cracking’ and potential failures in the ball-bearing systems. The bridge was shut down for safety reasons after a slab showed signs of collapse, making it unfit for heavy traffic. Preliminary reports suggest that a lack of periodic maintenance or aging ball bearings may have led to an uneven weight distribution, fracturing the concrete slab. Engineering teams estimate that restoring the bridge will take at least three months. In the meantime, the Bihar government has initiated emergency steamer services from Barari Ghat. To prevent overcharging by private boats, the administration has fixed fares at ₹50 for individuals with motorcycles and ₹20 for children and cyclists.