Patna: The Bihar government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has launched a major initiative to strengthen and maintain rural roads through the Chief Minister Rural Road Strengthening and Management Programme.
The scheme, part of the Chief Minister Rural Road Upgradation Scheme approved on November 14, 2024, aims to ensure the long-term durability and quality of rural pathways across the state. According to the Rural Works Department, by March 31, 2024, around 13,452 rural roads — spanning 23,541km — had completed their initial five-year maintenance period. Administrative approval has been granted for their upkeep, with a target to make all these paths pothole-free by June.
The government has also outlined plans to fully strengthen the roads up to the surface layer during the 2025–26 financial year. As part of the programme, roads will be blacktopped twice to preserve their surface quality and riding comfort. Contractors have been instructed to maintain a Rural Road Repair Vehicle to promptly address any damage and ensure seamless travel for villagers.
In a move to sustain rural connectivity, the state government has mandated that roads completing their five-year maintenance period each year will be systematically selected for upgrades. Officials say the initiative will not only improve travel conditions in villages but also bring transformative change to rural infrastructure in Bihar.
