Nitish Kumar Launches Rs 21,406 Crore Rural Connectivity Push In Bihar With Road And Bridge Projects

oBihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday (17 July) launched a series of infrastructure initiatives under the Rural Works Department (RWD), with projects totalling Rs 21,406.36 crore aimed at transforming rural connectivity across Bihar.

Attending via video link from his official residence at 1, Anne Marg, the Bihar CM virtually inaugurated thousands of road and bridge construction schemes, reported PTI.

A total of 11,346 roads and 730 bridges are set to be built under this wide-ranging development drive.

A statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) highlighted that “under the Rural Roads Strengthening and Management Programme, a new component, Mukhyamantri Gramin Sadak Unnayan Yojana, was launched in 2024.”

"Under this programme, construction of 5,047 roads commenced on Thursday, with a total approved cost of Rs 6,198 crore. Additionally, foundation stones were laid for 4,079 roads , with a total approved cost of Rs 5,627 crore," the statement added.

Reviving its focus on rural bridges, the state government has brought back the previously implemented Mukhyamantri Setu Yojana, now under the banner of Mukhyamantri Gramin Setu Yojana.

“Under this scheme, work has begun on 409 bridges, with a total approved cost of Rs 1,859 crore… foundation stones have been laid for 295 bridges… with an approved cost of Rs 1,792 crore,” the statement noted.

RWD Additional Chief Secretary Dipak Kumar Singh gave a comprehensive presentation on the current status of road and bridge construction to the CM and other dignitaries.

Praising the RWD’s performance, Nitish Kumar said that the RWD is doing commendable work in constructing and maintaining rural roads and bridges, while emphasising that all schemes must meet their deadlines.

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