Patna, March 19: Police have turned their focus on the Gandhi Setu to ensure normal vehicular movement during Holi.

The cops today claimed preparations had been made to ensure the bridge remains snarl-free on March 24. "The Setu is one of the most important bridges which connects the northern part of Bihar to the south. Each day it witnesses a heavy traffic flow. The bridge will heavy traffic movements from Sunday or Monday. Two years back, there had been very heavy traffic rush before Holi. However, last year the arrangements had been good and there was no major hassle. We hope this year things will be normal," Patna SP (traffic) P.K. Das said.

At present, the entire bridge is manned by a company of Bihar Military Police jawans, in addition to around 15 officers. Also, five inspector-rank officers have been deputed to ensure snarl-free movement.

"All the police officers have been asked to stay alert till Holi. The people mostly travel on buses and special care will be taken to ensure that there is no overtaking by heavy vehicles under any circumstances. The bridge has a crane to tow away vehicles, which develop sudden glitches. One more crane will be stationed at the bridge until Holi. We are tensed but confident," another officer said.

Sources said things were expected to remain normal with the opening of the Digha-Sonepur rail-cum-road bridge.

"There are five trains at the moment moving to north Bihar through the bridge. The road has not become functional, as the approach road has not been made. Many people might take a train to go to north Bihar. The journey by train is more comfortable and takes less time. It is expected that the presence of the Digha-Sonepur bridge will not put the Gandhi Setu under much pressure," the officer said.

The cops however didn't want to take chances.

"We aren't taking any kind of chances as the Gandhi Setu is used by many people. An additional 20 baton-wielding cops have been provided just for the bridge. The Alamganj police station has been asked to stay on an alert and they have been given the liberty to ask for more men if they feel. There are cops on standby for the setu," Patna SSP Manu Maharaaj said.