Deadline Extended for New Four-Lane Bridge Parallel to Vikramशिला Setu; Now Set for Completion in 2029, MoRTH Revises Timeline
Bhagalpur, Chief Correspondent: A major and significant update has emerged regarding the construction of the much-awaited parallel four-lane bridge beside the Vikramshila Setu, which is considered the lifeline of North Bihar. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has made a major change to the completion deadline of this ambitious project. In view of the sluggish pace of construction and ground-level hurdles, the completion deadline for the new bridge has been extended from the year 2027 to the year 2029. According to the revised schedule, the bridge will now be fully completed by March 31, 2029, whereas its earlier deadline was set for May 8, 2027.
Sluggish Pace of Construction Identified as the Main Reason
The slow speed of construction work is cited as the primary reason behind the decision taken by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). According to official figures, only 51.73 percent of the construction work on the new four-lane bridge (NH 131B) running parallel to the Vikramshila Setu has been completed so far. Notably, a total of 49.78 percent of the total project cost has already been disbursed to the contracting agency for the construction work. Sensing that the work would not be completed within the stipulated timeframe and noting the sluggish pace, the ministry made this revision.
It is worth noting that the concerned contracting agency had signed the agreement for this project with MoRTH and commenced the work on May 9, 2023. However, right from the initial phase, due to technical and other administrative reasons, the pace of work was not what was expected for a project of this national importance.
Why is this Bridge Crucial for North Bihar and Bhagalpur?
The old Vikramshila Setu, connecting Bhagalpur and distant North Bihar, has long struggled with heavy traffic and gridlock issues. The bridge bears an excessive volume of vehicles, frequently resulting in miles-long traffic jams. The parallel four-lane bridge under NH 131B was conceptualized precisely as a permanent solution to this problem.
With the completion of this bridge:
Smooth Traffic Flow: Vehicles heading from Bhagalpur towards Purnia, Katihar, and Assam will be relieved from severe traffic jams.
Boost to Trade Activities: Freight transportation and commuting between North Bihar and the northeastern states will become faster and smoother.
Savings on Time and Fuel: Smooth transit will save valuable time and fuel for thousands of daily commuters and business owners.
Disappointment Among the General Public Over Extended Deadline
Following the news of the completion deadline being extended from 2027 to 2029, a sense of disappointment prevails among local residents, traders, and drivers. People believe that if construction continues at this sluggish pace, doubts will remain even regarding completion by the newly set deadline (March 2029). Local intellectuals and organizations have demanded that MoRTH and the state administration work together to exert pressure on the construction agency so that work can be expedited and the public does not have to endure the brunt of traffic jams for much longer.
The extension of the completion deadline for the new four-lane bridge parallel to Vikramshila Setu from 2027 to 2029 by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways clearly indicates that the project is currently lagging far behind its scheduled pace. MoRTH and the concerned agency must now demonstrate absolute promptness in the construction of this strategically and economically vital bridge—widely regarded as the lifeline of North Bihar—so that it can be dedicated to the public by the newly revised date of March 31, 2029.
