Bihar CM launches Rs 203 crore projects, sets November deadline for Vikramshila Setu reopening

Bhagalpur: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Sunday launched 84 development projects worth Rs 203 crore in Bhagalpur district, and directed officials concerned to expedite restoration of the damaged Vikramshila Setu over the Ganga river.

According to a statement issued by the CMO, Choudhary asked the officials to ensure that vehicular movement on the bridge resumes by November 30.

"Restoration work of the damaged section of the bridge is underway at a rapid pace. A fresh technical assessment of the bridge's superstructure will also be undertaken. Additionally, no toll or parking charges would be collected from two-wheelers and four-wheelers until normal traffic movement resumes on the Vikramshila Setu," the Bihar CM said.


A part of the 4.7-km Vikramshila Setu collapsed on May 4 in Bhagalpur, and a Bailey bridge has been constructed.

Earlier in the day, Choudhary inspected restoration and repair work of the bridge and instructed officials to maintain safety standards during the project.

Of the development schemes in Bhagalpur, the chief minister inaugurated 69 projects and laid the foundation stones for 15 others.

The CM also chaired a review meeting at the Bhagalpur Collectorate on preparations for Shravani Mela 2026 and various development projects in the region.

Asserting that a safe and convenient environment for devotees is the government's top priority, Choudhary directed officials to complete preparations for the fair in a time-bound manner, and ordered adequate deployment of police personnel and medical staff along the pilgrimage route.

He also reviewed the proposed Bhagalpur and Munger Ganga Path projects and instructed officials to resolve all pending issues at the earliest while taking environmental concerns, including the dolphin habitat, into account.

Choudhary instructed officials to accelerate land acquisition for the revival of Vikramshila University and send the necessary proposal to the Union government before June 15.

He said the university had a glorious history and should be restored at the earliest.