World’s largest 210-tonne Shivling reaches Gopalganj; bridge safety poses a major challenge.
Photo Credit: The Suncity News.
Patna, January 5, 2026: The world’s largest and heaviest 33-feet-tall and 210-tonne Shivling, scheduled to be installed at the Virat Ramayan Temple in Motihari, has reached Gopalganj district in Bihar.
However, the district administration is facing serious challenges in transporting the massive Shivling further due to the poor condition of a bridge over the Gangak River.
Gopalganj DM called experts for the inspection of the bridge for the safe transportation of the Shivling:
Gopalganj District Magistrate Pawan Kumar Sinha said that teams from Bihar Rajya Pul Nirmar Nigam Limited (BRPNNL) and the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) have been called to inspect the bridge before any decision is taken regarding the transportation of the Shivling.
Meanwhile, Bihar Rural Works and Bridge Construction Minister Ashok Choudhary is also scheduled to arrive in Gopalganj on Monday to review the situation, hold a meeting with officials and personally inspect the bridge.
During the preliminary inspection, cracks were found at several places on the bridge, raising serious concerns about its load-bearing capacity.
The Shivling alone weighs 210 tonnes and is being transported on a 106-wheel trailer, which itself weighs around 160 tonnes.
The official said that the bridge’s load capacity is significantly lower than the combined weight of the Shivling and the transport vehicle.
Shivling was built in Tamil Nadu:
it was sculpted in Mahablipuram, Tamil Nadu, and took 32 days to travel approximately 3,178 kilometres to reach Gopalganj.
The Shivling is destined for the Virat Ramayan Temple in Motihari, East Champaran.
However, officials said that the remaining routes are also problematic.
According to officials, one alternative route is via the 70 Ghat Bridge at Dumariaghat in Gopalganj, but the condition of the bridge, its load capacity, and the approach roads are not suitable to bear such a heavy load.
Another possible route passes through West Champaran, but officials pointed out that this route also has multiple bridges and culverts, all of which would require thorough inspection before allowing the movement of the heavy vehicle.
The administration is currently assessing all options to ensure the safe transportation of the Shivling without risking public safety or damage to critical infrastructure.
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EOM.