Patna: Under the stewardship of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Bihar’s rural landscape is undergoing a remarkable facelift, thanks to a robust partnership with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
Over 75% of the ambitious targets for constructing 2,025 rural roads and 1,236 bridges stand achieved, injecting fresh momentum into the state’s village economy and slashing distances between remote hamlets and bustling cities.
The Rural Works Department unveiled a district-wise progress report on Tuesday, revealing that out of the 2,025 approved roads spanning a total of 5,254.49 km, a whopping 1,863 have been completed, covering 4,825 km. Similarly, 917 bridges are now operational, with the remaining 319 in their final stages, slated for handover in the coming months.
This massive infrastructure push, funded to the tune of ₹5,989.85 crore, is bridging not just rivers but also economic divides, enabling farmers to ferry produce to markets swiftly and spurring local trade.
Nalanda district leads the charge, with 199 of 214 sanctioned roads (over 370 km) and 59 of 67 bridges ready for heavy traffic. Gaya follows closely, ticking off 120 roads (365.78 km) and 46 bridges against targets of 129 and 57. Patna, the heartland hub, has built 157 of 167 roads (329.7 km) and 46 of 54 bridges. Other frontrunners include Aurangabad (244.86 km), Darbhanga (235.74 km), and East Champaran (231.87 km), while districts like Jamui, Madhubani, and Samastipur are near full completion.
This NABARD-backed initiative isn’t just tarmacking paths; it’s paving the way for prosperity, transforming Bihar’s hinterlands into vibrant economic corridors.