Bihar Embarks on Comprehensive Rural Infrastructure Development with ₹31,295 Crore Allocated for Roads and Bridges

The Bihar government has announced a comprehensive initiative to bolster rural infrastructure through multiple schemes aimed at road and bridge construction, maintenance, and upgradation. These measures are designed to enhance connectivity, improve rural transportation, and fulfill the state's vision of ensuring access to the capital, Patna, within five hours from any remote area.

On November 14, 2024, the Bihar Council of Ministers approved the "Rural Road Strengthening and Management Program" as a new component under the Chief Minister Rural Road Upgradation Scheme. This initiative will focus on the systematic reconstruction and maintenance of rural roads that have surpassed the five-year routine maintenance period. The program includes maintaining Riding Quality standards for seven years, with provisions for blacktopping twice within this period. Contractors will be mandated to have Rapid Response Vehicles to address road defects promptly, with penalties for non-compliance. A robust three-tier investigation system will ensure quality, and road safety enhancements such as drainage systems and signage will be prioritized. In the 2024-25 fiscal year, 14,860 roads spanning 26,700 kilometers are slated for construction with a budget allocation of ₹21,500 crore. Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for 4,300 roads have already been approved, with further approvals expected soon.

The Chief Minister Gram Sampark Yojana (Remainder) aims to connect previously unlinked settlements with populations of 100 or more via all-weather roads. Based on surveys conducted in 2021 and subsequent updates, 13,815 settlements (16,654 kilometers) were identified as unconnected. By the end of 2024-25, the scheme targets the approval of roads for 2,586 settlements (5,480 kilometers) at an estimated cost of ₹6,795 crore. The remaining settlements will be addressed over the next two fiscal years, with a projected expenditure of ₹1,100 crore in 2024-25 and an additional ₹3,000 crore in 2025-26.

The Chief Minister Bridge Scheme, revived after a nine-year hiatus, focuses on constructing missing bridges and access roads to ensure seamless rural connectivity. Recommendations from district committees have initiated the preparation of DPRs for 338 bridges. The government has allocated ₹3,000 crore for bridge approvals in 2024-25, with plans to approve additional bridges worth ₹2,000 crore in 2025-26. Expenditures are projected at ₹100 crore in the current fiscal year and ₹2,900 crore over the subsequent two years.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, the Rural Works Department will construct bridges up to 100 meters in length, while longer bridges will be handled by the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation. The state has previously been recognized for its excellence under this scheme, receiving national awards for innovative technology and effective implementation in 2016-19.

These initiatives underscore the Bihar government’s commitment to strengthening rural infrastructure, improving transportation facilities, and enhancing overall connectivity across the state.