Patna: The Bihar Road Construction Department has ordered a high-level assessment of roads and bridges across the state to identify maintenance needs, carry out corrective measures and ensure timely repairs.
At a review meeting held on October 22, 2026, Department Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal directed officials to assess the condition of state highways, district roads and infrastructure under agencies including BRPNNL, BSRDCL and the National Highways network.
Joint inspection teams will be formed in every district under the chairmanship of the respective district magistrate (DM). The teams will include representatives nominated by the DM and departmental engineers.
Inspections Must Be Completed Within 14 Working Days
The department has set a deadline of 14 working days for completing on-site inspections of the roads concerned.
Executive engineers have been directed to promptly provide district magistrates with lists of roads in their respective areas and prepare detailed work plans specifying each road and inspection date.
The teams must upload their findings to the Management Information System (MIS) portal, supported by photographs and detailed descriptions, to improve transparency and accountability.
Joint secretaries and chief engineers have also been instructed to monitor the process continuously from the department’s headquarters.
Daily Dashboard to Track Progress
The department has developed a dedicated dashboard for daily monitoring of road conditions and maintenance-related work. Engineers have been instructed to update it regularly.
The review also covered projects being carried out under OPRMC-III. According to the department, work orders have been issued for 66 packages, and officials have been directed to ensure that work begins promptly.
The newly constituted inspection teams will also examine the quality of work carried out under these packages.
Mobile Inspection Vans and AI-Based Technology
To strengthen quality checks, the department has directed officials to deploy mobile inspection vans and flying squads to inspect roads.
It has also developed software based on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to support road maintenance. The technology is intended to help improve monitoring and the management of maintenance work.
Engineers and Contractors to Face Action for Negligence
Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal said the department would not compromise on the quality of road construction, repairs or maintenance.
Responsibility will be fixed at every level, from chief engineers to junior engineers. Officials and contractors found negligent during inspections or repair work may face strict action.
The department said the initiative aims to improve road conditions, strengthen bridges and culverts, and ensure better maintenance of public infrastructure across Bihar.
Senior Officials Attend Review Meeting
The meeting was attended by the department’s special secretary, the chairman of BRPNNL, joint secretaries, the engineer-in-chief, chief engineers and other senior officials. Regional engineers joined the meeting through video conferencing.
