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Bihar cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary has approved a major reform package including toll collection on key roads, AI-based road maintenance, urban development projects, new electric buses, employee loan facilities, AI training for officials, and an e-voting system for select voters in municipal elections. A total of 20 proposals has been approved in the meeting, which was held prior to the cabinet expansion.
Bihar Cabinet Approves Major Reform Package
According to Jagran.com report, road user fees (toll taxes) will now be levied on state highways, major bridges, and other key roads. To facilitate this, the Bihar Road User Fee (Rate Determination and Collection) Rules, 2026, are being formulated and are expected to receive approval within the next month. Within three months of the rules being notified, an agency will be selected to begin collecting user fees. The proceeds from this collection will be deposited into the state government’s account.
Rs 15,967.03 Crore For Road Maintenance
Following the cabinet meeting, Arvind Chaudhary, Additional Chief Secretary to the Cabinet, announced that significant decisions have been taken to strengthen and improve road infrastructure in Bihar. Maintenance of 19,305.58 kilometres of roads across the state will be carried out using AI-based technology. The work will be executed under the Road Construction Department’s Long-Term Maintenance Contract System. An amount of Rs 15,967.03 crore has been sanctioned for this purpose.
Centralised Command To Be Established
As part of this initiative, a Centralised Command and Control Centre will also be set up to monitor roads using AI and Machine Learning technologies. This will ensure timely repairs and better maintenance. The project will be implemented over seven years and divided into 100 packages to ensure quality and transparency.
Urban Transformation Programme
The Cabinet has also launched the Bihar Urban Transformation Programme, funded by a USD 500 million (approximately Rs 4,750 crore) World Bank loan. The programme aims to improve infrastructure in selected urban areas, including roads, drainage systems, and other civic facilities.
400 New Electric Buses Approved
The Cabinet has approved the deployment of 400 new AC electric buses under the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme. Patna will receive 150 buses, while Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, Gaya, Darbhanga, and Purnea will each receive 50 buses. The government has further approved an annual expenditure of Rs 517 crore as a cash gap subsidy for 12 years to support operations.
Loans For Govt Employees and Pensioners
A new system has been approved to provide government employees and pensioners with easy access to loans through banks and financial institutions based on salary or pension. The system aims to improve financial inclusion and ensure transparent, regulated access to credit.
AI Training For Legislators and Officials
Members of the Bihar Legislature, along with government officials and employees, will receive training in AI through institutions such as NUS, C-DAC Patna, IITs, NIELIT, and CIMAP.
E-Voting Facility for Municipal Elections
For the 2026 municipal general and by-elections, a special e-voting facility will be introduced for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, critically ill voters, and those living outside the state, allowing them to vote remotely from their current location.