Patna: A high-level review of the inspection report on bridges exceeding 60 metres in length was conducted under the chairmanship of Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal in the Road Construction Department. The meeting took place in the departmental conference room and was attended by senior engineers and officials of the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation Limited.
Bridge Inspection Findings
Officials informed the meeting that 638 bridges of more than 60 metres length have been identified across the state and their inspection has been completed. The bridges are spread across multiple districts, including West Champaran (49), Patna (36), Muzaffarpur (39), Araria (38), Purnia (27), Kishanganj (37), Katihar (36), Supaul (35), East Champaran (30), Darbhanga (29), Gaya (25), Nawada (20), Jamui (16) and Saharsa (19).
The inspection covered structural safety and current condition assessments of all listed bridges.
Critical Bridges and Repair Status
Out of the 638 bridges, 23 have been identified as being in critical condition. Of these, repair and strengthening work is underway on 10 bridges, while new bridge construction has been proposed at five locations.
As an immediate safety measure, movement of heavy vehicles has been restricted on four bridges, with only light vehicles permitted. Work on a diversion route at another sensitive location is ongoing to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow.
In addition, maintenance tenders for eight bridges are in process, with the Secretary directing officials to expedite the procedure. The review also noted that 50 bridges require general repair and strengthening, with work currently underway under departmental supervision.
IIT Patna Assessment
The meeting was informed that 47 bridges longer than 250 metres, considered critical for state connectivity, have been inspected by IIT Patna. Further action will be taken based on preliminary findings submitted by the institute.
Secretary’s Directives
Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal reviewed individual inspection reports and instructed engineers to initiate immediate action wherever repair requirements have been identified. He directed that all such works must be carried out on a priority basis without delay.
He also emphasised strengthening the system of continuous monitoring of bridges to enable early detection of structural issues and prevent potential accidents.
Warning against administrative delays, he stated that strict disciplinary action will be taken against officials in divisions where progress is slow or quality standards are not met.
Reiterating departmental priorities, he said that ensuring safe and smooth transportation across Bihar remains a key objective under the guidance of the Chief Minister, and any negligence in bridge maintenance will not be tolerated.
