Patna: In a significant move to ensure the longevity and safety of critical infrastructure, the Bihar government has signed a memorandum of understanding with IIT Patna and IIT Delhi for the safety audit of 85 major bridges across the state. The initiative also includes the development of a Bridge Information and Management System.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held on June 24 at the Bihar State Road Development Corporation auditorium, Road Construction Minister Nitin Nabin said the partnership would help assess the structural condition of bridges, identify serious deficiencies, and develop targeted maintenance strategies. He called the MoU a vital step towards ensuring the safety and dependability of the state’s infrastructure, essential for Bihar’s economic and social development.
Of the 3,968 bridges in Bihar, 532 fall under the ‘large’ category. In the first phase, 85 of these—each over 250 metres in length—will undergo independent third-party safety audits. The Road Construction Department has sanctioned Rs 17 crore for this purpose. IIT Patna will audit 45 bridges, while IIT Delhi will handle the remaining 40. Both institutions are expected to submit detailed health reports within a year.
Under the newly approved Bihar State Bridge Management and Maintenance Policy-2025, regular inspections and maintenance will be mandated. Nitin stated that continuous monitoring will help reduce repair costs and ensure bridges remain in good condition throughout their designed lifespan. The policy, approved by the state cabinet, is the first of its kind in India.
For the first time, the state will also introduce a Bridge Health Index and Maintenance Priority Index to assess structural integrity using advanced technologies such as visual inspections, non-destructive testing, sensors, and drone cameras. Each bridge will receive a ‘health card’ based on these findings, facilitating timely and preventive maintenance.
