Bhagalpur: Cracks have been observed in a pillar of the bridge near Barari Ghat, specifically in front of the Santoshi Mata Temple. The concrete layer near the arch and pier junction has also peeled off, exposing the reinforcement bars inside. Water seepage from the upper part of the bridge has left rust stains, with brown and yellow marks clearly visible near the reinforcement bars.

The Bridge Construction Corporation team has taken cognizance of the situation. An NH official stated that this indicates internal moisture or seepage. Shashi Bhushan Singh, Secretary (Administration and Planning) of the Bridge Construction Corporation, confirmed that the defect in the bridge pillar is noted and will be rectified soon. He explained that rainwater, water seeping from the deck, or faulty expansion joints continuously allow moisture to penetrate the concrete. When water and oxygen enter through the microscopic pores of the concrete, the iron bars inside begin to rust.

Over time, carbon dioxide from the air also enters the concrete, reducing its alkalinity. This alkalinity is crucial for protecting the internal bars from rust. A decrease in alkalinity leads to rusting of the bars. The protective thick layer of concrete over the bars, applied during construction, is now also peeling off. As the internal bars corrode and weaken, their thickness and strength diminish, thereby reducing the bridge's load-bearing capacity.

The NH division had repeatedly written to the headquarters in 2023-24, requesting a structural audit of the Vikramshila Setu by experts from the Bridge Construction Corporation. Letters were also forwarded by the NH Chief Engineer to the MD of the Bridge Construction Corporation. When no response was received, NH officials inspected the bridge in February last year and sent a report to the DM's office, demanding a ban on heavy vehicles, but no such ban was implemented. On May 3, 2026, a section of the Vikramshila Setu collapsed into the river, causing significant problems for the people of North and East Bihar.