Bihar Government to Approve New Bridge Maintenance Policy, Technical Survey to Precede Repairs

Patna: The Bihar government is set to introduce a comprehensive bridge maintenance policy, which will soon be sent for state cabinet approval. However, under this policy, repair work on bridges will not commence immediately. Instead, a large-scale technical survey will first be conducted to assess the condition of various bridges, ensuring a systematic approach to repairs.

The technical survey will evaluate key structural components, including expansion joints, foundations, railings, superstructure, and bearings. Experts will assign each bridge a ranking from one to ten, determining the urgency of repairs. The survey process is expected to take at least six months, after which the government will decide which bridges require immediate attention.

The initial phase of the survey has been completed, and further inspections will be conducted before finalizing repair schedules. The policy aims to prioritize safety by addressing the most critical issues first, rather than undertaking simultaneous repairs on all bridges.

The policy aligns with the Output and Performance-Based Road Maintenance Contract (OPRMC) system, currently used for road maintenance. Under this approach, bridges will be brought to a uniform standard before being included in long-term maintenance packages. This ensures that repair efforts are systematic and effective rather than being conducted in a fragmented manner.

A dedicated online portal will store comprehensive technical reports of all surveyed bridges, making it easier to track structural defects. In just one click, officials will be able to access detailed information, including images of problem areas.

The policy will integrate data from all divisions to streamline the decision-making process for bridge maintenance. By leveraging technology, authorities will be able to prioritize repairs efficiently, ensuring public safety and improved infrastructure management.