Patna: Bihar Rural Works Minister Ashok Choudhary has dismissed opposition claims that the state is inviting global tenders to build rural roads. Speaking at a press conference in Patna on Friday, he said, “There is no question of inviting global tenders. The contracts are given through national bidding where local people get priority.” He said the opposition was creating confusion among people by spreading false news.
The minister explained that global tenders usually involve companies from countries like China, Russia, and France, but Bihar has not invited any such tenders. Because he could not speak about this in the Assembly due to protests, he clarified the issue through the media. Choudhary said locals from the same district are being given preference for contracts, which range from Rs 5 crore to Rs 55 crore each. Very few companies from other states like Jharkhand or Uttar Pradesh have been awarded contracts.
Choudhary also shared that the department has saved Rs 816.68 crore through transparent and competitive bidding. While the estimated cost for 1,038 packages was Rs 18,636.42 crore, contracts were awarded for only Rs 17,819.74 crore. Under the rural roads programme, the government has approved construction of 14,036 roads covering 24,480 km in 2024-25 and 4,079 roads covering 6,484 km in the current financial year.
He further said that rural roads will be maintained for seven years to ensure smooth travel. Around 70 to 75 per cent of maintenance funds will be spent in the first year and the rest in the fourth year. The minister also informed that the department has reduced extra charges paid to contractors, which will save even more public money in future projects.
