Railways launches special train after Vikramshila Setu collapse

Bhagalpur: In a major relief for thousands of stranded commuters after the collapse of the Vikramshila Setu, the railways on Saturday launched a 15-coach unreserved special train between Bhagalpur and Katihar via Naugachia to restore connectivity across the river Ganga.The daily special service, introduced from May 23 to June 1, is aimed at assisting office-goers, daily wage earners, traders and farmers facing severe hardship since the collapse of a 33-metre RCC slab of the bridge on May 4. The incident had snapped road link between south Bihar and the Kosi-Seemanchal region, affecting movement and trade across nearly 16 districts.Malda railway division official Rasaraj Maji said, “A special train, 03407 Bhagalpur-Katihar, has been started from Saturday, May 23. The train will run daily from May 23 to June 1.”According to Maji, the train will depart from Bhagalpur at 7am and reach Katihar at 1pm via Munger, Khagaria and Naugachia. On the return journey, train number 03408 will leave Katihar at 2.10pm and arrive in Bhagalpur at 8.20pm.Maji said the fully unreserved service was launched in public interest. “This special train will be completely unreserved and is aimed at providing conveniences to commuters, salaried people and businessmen, daily wage earners, vegetable, banana and other perishable farm products besides milkmen crossing river Ganga each day for their vocation,” he added.Meanwhile, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), following the intervention of CM Samrat Choudhary and Union defence minister Rajnath Singh, has begun constructing a temporary Bailey bridge over the damaged stretch from May 16. Officials expect regulated movement of light motor vehicles by the first week of June.