Bihar to Upgrade Rural Roads to Double Lanes Ahead of Nitish Kumar’s ‘Samriddhi Yatra’

Patna: In a major boost to rural infrastructure, the Bihar government has decided to upgrade rural roads across the state into double-lane roads. The announcement comes ahead of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s proposed Samriddhi Yatra and is being seen as a significant step towards strengthening rural connectivity and accelerating development.

Rural Works Minister Ashok Choudhary said the initiative will be implemented in a phased manner under the Saat Nischay–3 programme. He emphasized that widening rural roads into two lanes will not only improve connectivity between villages and urban centers but will also make transportation safer, faster, and more convenient for the public.

Under the plan, priority will be given to roads that connect blocks, sub-divisional headquarters, and district headquarters with state and national highways. These strategically important routes will be identified and upgraded first to ensure seamless movement of people, goods, and services.

Highlighting the state’s achievements in the sector, the minister said Bihar has set a new benchmark in rural road construction over the past two decades. Around 1.20 lakh kilometers of rural roads have been constructed during this period by the Rural Works Department. To ensure durability and quality, a seven-year maintenance policy has also been incorporated into road projects.

The government is simultaneously focusing on road strengthening and maintenance. For the financial years 2024–25 and 2025–26, approval has been granted for the construction and upgrading of 18,166 rural roads under the Rural Road Strengthening and Management Programme, covering a total length of approximately 30,965 kilometers. To further enhance road longevity, the Chief Minister Rural Road Upgradation Scheme has been launched.

Under the Mukhyamantri Gram Sampark Yojana, a target was set in the financial year 2025–26 to construct 43,431 kilometers of roads to connect 31,604 habitations. So far, road construction spanning 34,414 kilometers has been completed in 25,062 habitations, while work in the remaining areas is progressing rapidly and is expected to be completed soon.

The government is also focusing on connecting rural hamlets (tolas) that were earlier cut off from all-weather roads. Under the Rural Tola Connectivity Nischay Scheme, efforts have been underway since 2016–17 to link unconnected hamlets with permanent roads. Against a target of connecting 4,643 tolas, construction of nearly 3,977 kilometers of roads has been almost completed.

The Bihar government believes that the expansion of rural roads into double lanes will play a crucial role in boosting economic activity, improving access to education and healthcare, and ensuring inclusive development across the state.