Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has officially launched a massive infrastructure initiative aimed at improving rural connectivity across the state. On Friday, he inaugurated and laid foundation stones for a series of road and bridge projects under the state’s Rural Works Department (RWD). The projects, which are valued at an impressive Rs 8,837.77 crore, aim to significantly enhance transportation in rural areas.
Aiming to Transform Rural Connectivity
As part of his commitment to improving infrastructure in Bihar, Nitish Kumar virtually inaugurated and laid the foundation for 6,199 projects under the RWD, which will be completed over the coming months. These projects include the construction of roads, bridges, and other key transportation assets aimed at improving access to remote areas.
A statement issued by the Chief Minister’s office highlighted that the new initiatives are a part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Bihar’s rural road network. In his address, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining rural roads, bridges, and causeways, urging officials to prioritize these maintenance activities to ensure the longevity and reliability of the newly built infrastructure.
Key Infrastructure Initiatives Launched
The projects inaugurated by Nitish Kumar on Friday include the construction of 763 roads with a combined length of 947 kilometers, alongside 4 bridges totaling 435 meters. These projects are part of the Chief Minister Gram Sampark Yojana, which aims to improve connectivity between rural and urban areas in the state. The total investment for this phase is Rs 983 crore.
In addition to these, other projects under the Chief Minister Rural Road Maintenance Programme were also highlighted. This program has already repaired 972 roads (spanning 1,904 kilometers) at a cost of Rs 1,113 crore. Another segment of the program, the Chief Minister Rural Road Development Scheme, has seen the upgrading, reconstruction, and widening of 33 roads, covering 104 kilometers, at a cost of Rs 92 crore.
Foundation Stones for Future Projects
Alongside the inaugurations, Nitish Kumar also laid the foundation stones for several new projects that will further enhance rural connectivity. These include:
- 1,472 roads (1,571 km): These roads are to be constructed under the Chief Minister Gram Sampark Yojana at a cost of Rs 1,824 crore.
- 5 bridges (304 meters): These bridges will improve the flow of traffic and reduce bottlenecks in key areas.
Additionally, the Chief Minister Rural Road Maintenance Programme will repair 2,306 roads, totaling 4,148 kilometers, at a cost of Rs 2,350 crore. The Mukhyamantri Gramin Sadak Unnayan Yojana will see the upgradation of 442 roads, stretching over 1,701 kilometers, as well as the construction of a bridge (27 meters) at an estimated cost of Rs 1,739 crore.
Commitment to Quality and Timeliness
During the inauguration, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar directed officials to ensure that all the projects are completed on time, with no compromise on the quality of materials used. He specifically emphasized the importance of conducting regular inspections of all roads and bridges once completed and ensuring their continued maintenance.
The CM also underscored the need for the construction teams to uphold the highest standards throughout the project, ensuring that the roads and bridges are built to last. He called for meticulous monitoring to avoid any delays and ensure timely completion of the projects.
Senior Officials Attend the Event
The event, held at the Chief Minister’s official residence in Patna, was attended by key figures from the state government. Among those present were Ashok Choudhary, the Minister for Rural Works, Amrit Lal Meena, the Chief Secretary, and Dipak Kumar Singh, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Rural Works Department. These senior officials are tasked with overseeing the execution of the large-scale infrastructure projects.
Improving Accessibility and Boosting Development
This ambitious infrastructure initiative by Bihar’s government reflects the state’s commitment to enhancing rural infrastructure and boosting economic development. The roads and bridges under construction are not just about improving connectivity—they are part of a larger vision to improve the quality of life in rural areas, facilitate better access to markets, healthcare, and education, and drive economic growth in remote communities.
The successful execution of these projects will go a long way in connecting the villages of Bihar to the urban centers, enabling easier travel for residents and businesses. The rural areas will benefit immensely from the improved access to transport corridors, which is expected to lead to a greater flow of goods, services, and people, ultimately contributing to the state’s overall development.
Conclusion
With an investment of over Rs 8,800 crore, the ongoing and upcoming road and bridge projects in Bihar are poised to transform the rural landscape. These infrastructure upgrades will enhance connectivity, reduce travel times, and ensure that rural residents have better access to essential services. Under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, Bihar is making significant strides toward modernizing its transportation network, improving rural development, and fostering economic growth.
Refer:
Economic Times, Link to article