Patna: Bihar Road Construction Minister Er. Kumar Shailendra on August 19 reviewed the progress of National Highway projects and road maintenance works in the state, directing officials to repair potholes immediately and submit progress reports and photographs within a week.
The meeting covered the progress of major National Highway projects, road safety, timely repairs, road beautification and issues affecting project completion.
Officials from the Road Construction Department, including the Special Secretary and Joint Secretary, along with regional officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and engineers attended the meeting.
Major Projects Reviewed
According to the department, the Mahnar-Bachhwara section under Package-2, covering 42.618 km, has reached 98% completion.
The Jandaha Bypass on NH-322 has recorded 51% physical progress, while the Katoria, Lakhpura, Banka and Panjwara bypasses under NH-333A, covering a combined 14.359 km, are 60% complete.
The Bhagalpur-Kahalgaon-Mirzachowki section of NH-80, covering 47.815 km, has reached 95.15% completion. Widening work on NH-319A between 0 and 45 km is 92% complete.
The Chhapra-Manjhi four-lane bypass, covering 7.155 km, has achieved 90.70% progress. The widening of the Gaya Bypass on NH-120 from two lanes to four lanes is 59% complete.
The Jaynagar Bypass railway overbridge on NH-104 has reached 83.5% completion, while the Saraigarh-Lalganj-Ganpatganj section of NH-327A in Madhepura, covering 10.672 km, is 99% complete.
Vikramshila Setu Parallel Bridge
The meeting also reviewed the construction of a new four-lane bridge parallel to the existing Vikramshila Setu over the Ganges in Bhagalpur.
The new bridge will be 4.455 km long. The department said its completion is expected to strengthen connectivity in Bhagalpur and eastern Bihar, as well as improve links with North Bihar and the Seemanchal region.
Minister Orders Pothole Repairs
During the meeting, Shailendra expressed displeasure over the condition of potholes on roads and directed officials to ensure their immediate repair.
He ordered officials to complete the necessary repairs promptly and submit a report within one week. They were also instructed to increase manpower and accelerate maintenance work.
Officials have been asked to submit progress reports along with photographs showing the completed work within the stipulated period.
Focus On Project Delays And Road Safety
The minister directed officials to resolve pending issues related to land acquisition, Forest Department clearances and the shifting of electricity poles and wires to prevent delays in project execution.
He also instructed officials to ensure that road dividers are installed correctly and in accordance with safety standards.
The department was further directed to undertake large-scale plantation along roads as part of road beautification measures.
Shailendra stressed that the progress of road projects should be visible on the ground and ordered regular monitoring from the department headquarters to ensure timely completion and adherence to quality and safety standards.
