Vikramshila Setu

Vikramshila Setu is a road bridge across the Ganges in Bihar state that links two national highways. The roadway divides into four lanes with separate walkways on both sides of the structure.

The bridge opened in 2001 and provided residents on the south bank with their first year-round link to the north. Before construction, travelers used ferries or had to drive long detours through distant crossings.

The name honors the ancient Buddhist scholarship that once flourished in the region and drew monks from across the continent. Farmers drive oxcarts across the bridge alongside modern trucks, creating a picture of everyday life in Bihar.

Traffic moves slowly during morning and evening rush hours when commuters travel between both banks. Pedestrians should use the walkways and stay clear of vehicle traffic, as the road carries heavy loads.

A second bridge is rising downstream at a short distance to handle growing traffic. Engineers expect the new crossing will reduce pressure on the existing structure considerably.