Patna: The Bihar government has moved to curb the routine practice of raising road levels in cities without oversight, following a directive from the Patna High Court aimed at addressing chronic waterlogging in urban neighbourhoods.
Under the new order, civic authorities must obtain prior approval from the state’s road construction department before increasing the height of any urban road. The decision comes after a public interest litigation drew attention to the consequences of repeated resurfacing, in which new layers of asphalt were laid 4–6 inches above existing roads.
Over time, this practice has left many houses — once built above street level — nearly flush with or even below the road surface. During heavy rainfall or when drains overflow, water frequently enters homes, compounding residents’ grievances.
In response to the court’s observations, the department’s chief engineer and additional commissioner have issued instructions to engineers and field officers, directing that no road elevation be increased without formal authorisation. The order also emphasises the need to improve drainage infrastructure alongside any roadwork.
Officials said a topographic survey will now be mandatory before road construction or repair in urban areas. Executive engineers, assistant engineers and junior engineers will be required to ensure that projects adhere strictly to approved road profiles based on survey findings. A quality control team will review the reports before implementation.
The department’s communication also notes that the high court has specifically directed authorities not only to refrain from indiscriminate road elevation but to strengthen drainage systems to prevent water accumulation.
Urban residents in Patna and other cities have long complained that successive resurfacing projects have effectively raised streets while leaving adjoining properties vulnerable to flooding. The new measures are intended to standardise construction practices and reduce such unintended consequences.
Officials said regular staff training would be conducted to ensure compliance with the revised norms.
