In response to a Supreme Court order, the Bihar government is set to implement a new bridge maintenance policy aimed at preventing bridge collapses and ensuring structural integrity. This decision follows a petition that highlighted the alarming frequency of bridge failures in the state.
The policy, developed by Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation Limited under the Road Construction Department, will be executed once it receives approval from the State Council of Ministers. The Rural Works Department is nearing the completion of a structural audit, which will provide critical data on the construction dates, weight capacity, and traffic volume for all bridges and culverts in the state.
The Supreme Court has mandated that the state government and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) submit detailed reports on bridge conditions and maintenance plans. Based on the audit findings, decisions will be made regarding necessary repairs, capacity enhancements, and the construction of new bridges to replace severely damaged or outdated structures.
The implementation of this maintenance policy is a proactive step towards enhancing infrastructure safety in Bihar. By addressing the structural vulnerabilities of bridges, the government aims to prevent future incidents and ensure the reliability of critical transportation networks.
