A shocking revelation has emerged from Bihar’s vital lifeline, the Vikramshila Setu spanning the mighty Ganga River. Connecting eastern Bihar with the Seemanchal region, this crucial bridge now faces imminent danger as the protection walls safeguarding its pillars have suffered severe damage. One pillar’s protective barrier has completely crumbled, another hangs precariously in tatters, and a third stands half-demolished, raising alarms about the structure’s integrity.
The most alarming aspect is the dangling wall fragment relentlessly battering the pillar, threatening the main framework of the bridge. Heavy Ganga currents, large vessels, and massive boats exert tremendous pressure on these pillars, exacerbating the vulnerability. Previously, TV9 highlighted widening expansion joint gaps between pillars 16 to 20, growing from 1-2 inches to a dangerous 6 inches, yet authorities have turned a blind eye.
Protection walls, also known as fall walls, are engineered to shield pillars from erosive water flows and collisions while preventing soil and sand scour around the foundations. Their failure could lead to ground erosion, destabilizing the pillars entirely. During monsoons, intensified water pressure could spell disaster.
Inspection teams from relevant departments have visited the site, assessed the damage, and dispatched reports to headquarters. This incident serves as a stark warning: immediate repairs and vigilant monitoring are non-negotiable. Neglect could culminate in catastrophic failure, endangering thousands who rely on this bridge daily. The clock is ticking for swift intervention to avert a potential tragedy.