Patna: The Bihar government has approved the construction of 703 new bridges under the Chief Minister’s Rural Bridge Scheme, in an effort to boost connectivity between villages and cities and strengthen rural infrastructure across the state.
The initiative, with an outlay of Rs.3,688 crore, began construction on September 15 and aims to provide uninterrupted road links in areas where transport has been disrupted by monsoon floods, ageing bridges or missing links.
Officials said the program will focus on replacing old and dilapidated bridges, rebuilding those destroyed by natural disasters, and completing unfinished projects where approach roads were never laid. The plan also incorporates proposals submitted through the chief minister’s Janata Darbar program as well as public commitments made by the government.
Work is currently under way in 14 districts, with the highest number of bridges — 56 — being built in East Champaran. Other major allocations include 38 in Darbhanga, 30 each in Gaya, Siwan and Sitamarhi, 28 each in Saran and Vaishali, and 27 each in Bhagalpur and Gopalganj. Smaller but significant projects are also progressing in Rohtas, Sheikhpura, Nalanda, Begusarai and Patna.
Officials said the effort is expected to improve access to markets, schools and hospitals in rural areas while reducing the isolation many communities face during seasonal floods.
