Patna: Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Tuesday instructed the road construction department to finish the upcoming six-lane Kachchi Dargah-Bidupur mega bridge across the Ganga, connecting Patna and Vaishali districts, by the first week of July. During a review of projects at Lok Sewak Bhavan, Samrat also directed the department to ensure that all district headquarters in Bihar are linked with four-lane roads.
Project Review and Emphasis on Key Infrastructure
Road construction department secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal presented an overview of ongoing projects and future plans. The chief minister placed special emphasis on completing the Kachchi Dargah-Bidupur bridge project, which connects NH-30 near Sabalpur on the outskirts of Patna with NH-103 between Chaksikandar and Gazipur Chowk in Vaishali district.
The 9.76-km-long cable bridge, along with approximately 10 km of approach roads, is being constructed at a cost of around Rs 5,000 crore. Besides serving as an alternative to the Mahatma Gandhi Setu, the bridge will enhance connectivity between north and south Bihar and provide strategic access to districts bordering Nepal.
Quality and Maintenance Directives
Samrat urged officials to expedite the construction of expressways, national highways, and state highways without compromising on quality. He also stressed the strict implementation of the bridge maintenance policy and regular assessment of the strength and condition of existing bridges.
Referring to the Vikramshila bridge in Bhagalpur, where a part of a slab recently collapsed into the Ganga, the chief minister asked officials to commence restoration work based on the recommendations of an expert committee. Currently, the Border Roads Organisation has installed a Bailey bridge between two pillars.
Connectivity and Economic Boost
Samrat noted that Bihar now has an extensive network of roads and bridges, enabling access to Patna within five hours from many parts of the state. He emphasized the need to improve connectivity to tourist destinations, cultural sites, industrial corridors, agricultural hubs, and traditional bazaars to stimulate economic activity.
Water Supply Directives
In a separate review meeting, the CM directed the public health and engineering department to install hand pumps in needy areas by June 30 and increase the water supply duration under the Har Ghar Nal Jal scheme by one hour in both morning and evening shifts. He also instructed officials to ensure prompt redressal of public complaints.
