Collapse of Vikramshila Setu Sparks Allegations of Corruption in Bihar

A portion of the Vikramshila Setu bridge over the Ganga river in Bhagalpur, Bihar, collapsed early Monday. The incident resulted in a wide gap in the structure, halting traffic flow across the region. Authorities have arranged for steamers and boats to facilitate the movement of people across the river, as no casualties were reported.

Opposition parties seized upon the collapse, alleging government negligence and corruption. The BJP-led government's handling of the bridge infrastructure came under intense scrutiny. Meanwhile, an expert engineering committee has been set up to investigate, and urgent repair work is underway with plans for a parallel bridge to be completed by December.

Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation Chairman Chandrashekhar Singh confirmed that Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has coordinated with the Defence Ministry and Army for alternative measures to assist residents. Despite this, political tensions remain high, with opposition leaders calling the event a symbol of systemic corruption.

(With inputs from agencies.)