Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 11,346 rural roads and 730 bridges, part of a massive infrastructure boost under the Rural Works Department, with projects worth Rs 21,406.36 crore. The ceremony was conducted remotely from his official residence, ‘Sankalp’, at 1 Anne Marg in Patna.
During the event, Additional Chief Secretary of the Rural Works Department, Deepak Kumar Singh, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the range of schemes covered, including updates on the progress of rural road and bridge projects, upgrades to existing infrastructure, and implementation of connectivity programmes such as the Mukhyamantri Gramin Setu Yojana and Sulabh Samparkta Yojana.
Praising the department’s efforts, Kumar said, “The construction and upkeep of rural roads and bridges are being carried out efficiently. These efforts ensure that even the remotest villages are connected by paved roads, easing transportation and improving access to essential services.” He also directed officials to ensure all projects are completed within stipulated timelines.
The Rural Road Strengthening and Management Programme, launched in 2024 as part of the broader Mukhyamantri Gramin Sadak Samvardhan Yojana, was a key highlight. Under this, construction has begun on 5,047 roads covering 8,893 km at a sanctioned cost of Rs 6,198 crore, while the foundation has been laid for another 4,079 roads (6,484 km) worth Rs 5,627 crore.
Meanwhile, the Mukhyamantri Gramin Setu Yojana, revived to build bridges and access roads in underserved areas, saw the start of construction on 409 bridges costing Rs 1,859 crore. An additional 295 bridges have had their foundation stones laid under the scheme, with a combined outlay of Rs 1,792 crore. Supplementary state projects include five more schemes valued at Rs 48 crore and foundation stones for 24 schemes worth Rs 279 crore.
The Mukhyamantri Gramin Sampark Yojana (Residuary), aimed at connecting rural settlements with populations over 100 to all-weather roads, has also seen significant progress. Construction has commenced on 301 roads totalling 490 km, while foundation work has begun on 1,908 roads spanning 3,397 km. Together, these projects account for nearly Rs 5,500 crore in sanctioned funds.
In addition, work began or foundation stones were laid for eight projects under the Sulabh Samparkta Yojana, valued at Rs 101 crore.
