Patna: In a major push to enhance Bihar’s road infrastructure, the state Cabinet has approved nine new schemes proposed by the Road Construction Department. These include the “Bihar State Bridge Management and Maintenance Policy–2025”, three railway overbridges (ROBs), the widening of Gaya’s Sujata Bypass, major road upgrades in Banka, Jamui and Saran districts, and the development of an integrated digital database for managing departmental assets.
Road Construction Minister Nitin Naveen expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, highlighting that these schemes will contribute to a more robust, safe and organised traffic system across the state.
The new bridge maintenance policy aims to ensure regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs of bridges throughout Bihar. The initiative is expected to improve traffic safety and prolong the life of infrastructure.
The Cabinet approved the construction of three ROBs aimed at replacing high-traffic railway crossings. These include:
• ROB at level crossing 61 Spl on the Barauni–Tilrath line in Begusarai, with a total cost of Rs 66,39.51 lakh (state share: Rs 30,76.38 lakh)
• ROB at crossing 7B on the Barauni–Teghra section, at Rs 1,46,36.92 lakh (state share: Rs 34,52.46 lakh)
• ROB at crossing 137 on the Mehsi–Chakia line in East Champaran, at Rs 1,06,15.96 lakh (state share: Rs 81,63.11 lakh)
Approval is also pending for an ROB between Purnia and Ranipatra stations. In addition, the Ministry of Railways has greenlit the construction of 223 ROBs across Bihar, with no-objection certificates already issued for 222 of them by respective district magistrates. Construction is expected to begin shortly.
Further, the Sujata Bypass in Gaya district—critical for connecting the religious destinations of Gaya and Bodh Gaya—will be widened and strengthened at a cost of Rs 37,83.35 lakh. In Banka, Rs 38,47.10 lakh has been sanctioned for maintaining the Sultanganj–Duma (Bihar border) Kanwaria Path for five years, beginning 2025, in preparation for the annual Shravani Mela.
The Cabinet also approved the widening of 10.275 km of the Jamui–Lakhisarai main road (SH-18), from Hansdih to Indpe (NH-333A), at a cost of Rs 37,63.45 lakh. This route will be developed into an intermediate lane to improve connectivity. Similarly, Rs 81,47.58 lakh has been allocated for enhancing an 18.1 km stretch of road between Manpur and Garkha in Saran district, which links NH-19 and NH-722 and is expected to strengthen rural-urban road integration.
Additionally, the department plans to roll out an integrated digital database to manage its assets scientifically and transparently. The system will monitor buildings, land, machinery, and other resources to boost operational efficiency and ensure optimal utilisation.
