In a major push to strengthen rural infrastructure, the Bihar government has launched the construction of 909 bridges across the state under the Chief Minister Gramin Setu Scheme. The ambitious initiative is aimed at improving connectivity in villages, making it easier for people to reach schools, markets, healthcare facilities and government offices.
Officials from the Rural Works Department said that work orders have already been issued for 670 bridges, and construction is underway at multiple locations. The remaining 239 bridges are currently at the tendering stage and are expected to move into the construction phase soon.
The scheme focuses on addressing long-standing connectivity gaps in rural areas. This includes replacing old and unsafe bridges, building approach roads for bridges that were constructed earlier but remained inaccessible, rebuilding structures damaged by floods, and connecting habitations that were previously cut off from all-weather roads.
Strict Quality Checks and Technical Monitoring
To ensure that the large-scale project is executed with quality and safety in mind, the Rural Works Department has put in place a strong technical monitoring mechanism. A dedicated team comprising three departmental technical consultants, one bridge advisor and ten assistant engineers has been formed to scrutinise project plans and construction standards.
All Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) are being examined under a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Around 20 DPRs are reviewed every day, with the department aiming to complete all reviews by February 10, 2026. Necessary corrections are scheduled to be addressed by February 17, while major design changes, if required, are expected to be finalised by February 25.
Districts with Highest Number of Bridges
The scheme has been rolled out across all 38 districts, with priority given to areas that face severe connectivity challenges. East Champaran tops the list with 76 bridges, followed by Darbhanga (53), Sitamarhi (43), Madhubani (42), Sheikhpura (39) and Gaya (38). Districts such as Bhagalpur, Nalanda and Vaishali will get 34 bridges each, while Saran and Gopalganj will see 31 bridges each. Even the state capital Patna is set to get 18 new bridges under the scheme.
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A Boost for Rural Life and Economy
Officials believe the construction of these 909 bridges will bring tangible improvements to daily life in rural Bihar. Better road connectivity is expected to reduce travel time, improve access to education and healthcare, enable smoother delivery of government services and open up new economic opportunities for farmers and small businesses.
By strengthening the rural road network, the Chief Minister Gramin Setu Scheme is expected to play a key role in inclusive development, ensuring that villages across Bihar are better connected, safer and more economically integrated with the rest of the state.