Patna: The Bihar government has accelerated the construction of more than 250 block-cum-circle office buildings across the state as part of efforts to strengthen administrative infrastructure at the grassroots level. According to the Building Construction Department, construction is currently underway in 240 blocks, while 59 locations are also being developed as office-cum-residential complexes for officials.
Officials said the remaining projects are in the tender or re-tender stage and will be awarded soon through a competitive and transparent bidding process. Once the tendering process is completed, work will begin in the remaining blocks as well. The government has set a target to complete the construction of the buildings by the end of 2026.
Kumar Ravi, secretary of the Building Construction Department, said the projects are progressing rapidly and are being executed within a fixed timeline using quality construction materials. To ensure standards are maintained, engineers, contractors and site engineers were given a two-day training programme in January at the Convention Hall.
The department said several similar projects have already been completed in recent years. Earlier, block office-cum-residential buildings, inspection rooms and campus development works were finished in 65 blocks. Each of these buildings has a built-up area of around 23,384 square feet and is designed as a two-storey structure.
In addition, Block Information Technology Centres have been constructed in 98 blocks. These three-storey buildings have a built-up area of about 25,523 square feet. The ground floor includes office chambers and a canteen, the first floor houses officer offices and space for a bank, while the second floor contains a meeting hall.
The government has approved Rs 30.74 crore per block for the construction of new block-cum-circle office and residential complexes. For rebuilding offices on sites where old structures exist, a budget of Rs 16.62 crore per block has been sanctioned.
Officials said the administrative buildings will follow a G+2 design and include offices for the block development officer, circle officer and other officials, along with a conference hall, RTPS counter, canteen and record room. In locations where residential complexes are planned, accommodation will also be provided for officials and staff.
The department added that weekly site inspections and special quality checks are being conducted to monitor the progress of the projects. Data uploaded by engineers on the PIMS portal is also being reviewed at higher administrative levels, and strict action will be taken if any deficiencies in construction quality are detected. Solar panels will also be installed on the rooftops of the new buildings as part of the project design.
