The Government of Bihar has partnered with IIT Delhi and IIT Patna to audit 85 major bridges as part of the newly launched Bihar State Bridge Maintenance Policy 2025, India’s first state-level framework dedicated to systematic bridge maintenance.
The policy aims to enhance the safety and longevity of 3,968 bridges, including 532 mega structures constructed over the past 18 years. The audit of the initial 85 key structures will be carried out under a technical consultancy contract worth ₹16.61 crore, with Letters of Acceptance (LoAs) already issued to both institutions.
Minister for Road Construction Nitin Nabin said, "The IITs will provide vital status reports on our bridges as part of this new Bihar State Bridge Maintenance Policy framework. Under the agreement, IIT Delhi will assess 40 major bridges (exceeding 250 meters in length) in North Bihar, while IIT Patna will evaluate 45 such bridges primarily in South Bihar.”
Beyond the audits, the IITs will also prepare detailed repair, retrofitting, and rehabilitation estimates based on their findings. The Bihar State Road Building Corporation will then execute these necessary works. Highlighting the long-term vision, the Minister added, "The implementation of this policy will lead to a decrease in maintenance expenditure and ensure bridges remain in good condition, providing safe and easy travel for our people. The State Government is committed to making every possible effort for convenient, safe, and uninterrupted travel for the common people. This comprehensive bridge maintenance policy is a testament to Bihar’s commitment to resilient infrastructure and sets a national benchmark in bridge safety management."
Further leveraging technical expertise, IIT Delhi has been tasked with submitting a proposal for real-time structural health monitoring systems for the Arrah-Chhapra and Arwal-Sahar mega bridges. The state is also exploring advanced methods like drone cameras and sensors, exemplified by a Gurgaon-based firm's recent digital safety audit of the Bairiyahati Ghat bridge in Samastipur.
