Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has directed officials to connect all district headquarters in the state through four-lane roads as part of a broader push to improve transport infrastructure and regional connectivity.
The directions were issued during a review meeting of the Road Construction Department held at the ‘Sankalp’ auditorium at 01 Aney Marg on Tuesday. Officials were instructed to ensure speedy and quality execution of all ongoing expressway, national highway and state highway projects.
Focus on Tourism and Industrial Connectivity
During the meeting, Choudhary emphasised the need to strengthen road connectivity to tourist destinations, cultural heritage sites, industrial corridors, special agricultural production zones and key market areas across Bihar.
According to officials, the government believes improved transport infrastructure will support economic growth, enhance logistics networks and create employment opportunities in multiple sectors.
Target to Reach Patna Within Five Hours
The Chief Minister said the government is working towards a target of enabling travel from remote parts of Bihar to Patna within five hours.
Officials informed the meeting that the road network is being expanded and upgraded to improve travel efficiency and reduce journey times between districts and the state capital.
Kacchi Dargah-Bidupur Bridge Project Reviewed
Choudhary also directed officials to expedite work on the Kacchi Dargah-Bidupur Bridge six-lane bridge project and complete it by the first week of July.
He instructed departments to conduct regular inspections to ensure the structural quality and safety of bridges under construction. Directions were also issued for permanent restoration work on the Vikramshila Bridge based on expert recommendations.
During the review meeting, Road Construction Department Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal presented updates on ongoing infrastructure projects and outlined future plans for national and state highways in Bihar.
Drinking Water Supply Scheme Also Reviewed
In a separate review meeting of the Public Health Engineering Department, the Deputy Chief Minister reviewed the implementation of the ‘Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal’ scheme.
He directed officials to increase the duration of drinking water supply by one hour each during the morning and evening cycles. The government also stressed the need to ensure uninterrupted access to clean drinking water for residents.
Panchayat-Level Water Quality Monitoring
The Deputy Chief Minister instructed officials to conduct drinking water quality testing at the Panchayat level every two to three months. Continuous monitoring at the ward level was also ordered to maintain water safety standards.
He further directed departments to use artificial intelligence-based systems for faster grievance redressal related to water supply issues and to prioritise maintenance and repair of infrastructure.
Deadline Set for New Hand Pumps
Officials were instructed to install new hand pumps in areas facing shortages by June 30. The government also ordered regular monitoring of groundwater levels and effective implementation of groundwater conservation schemes across the state.
