Pankaj Kumar Pal, Secretary of the Road Construction Department, on Thursday reviewed the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) of 52 road projects with an estimated cost of Rs 33,464 crore in Bihar. During the review meeting, he directed officials to ensure that future requirements are also factored in while preparing DPRs so that projects remain relevant in the long term.
Of the projects reviewed, 36 belong to the National Highway (NH) wing, 14 to the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation, and two to the Bihar State Road Development Corporation Limited.
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Key projects whose DPRs were examined include the Samastipur Bypass (9.8 km), aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving urban connectivity; development of both approaches to the Vikramshila Setu on NH-131B (around 15 km) to strengthen regional links; the Anisabad-AIIMS Elevated Corridor in Patna (approximately 7 km) to improve access to AIIMS and adjoining areas; the Aurangabad four-lane bypass (about 9.8 km) to ease chronic traffic congestion; the Singheshwar bypass in Madhepura district (11.27 km) to boost local connectivity and development; and a four-lane bridge over the Kamla River on NH-227 (old NH-104), spanning around 2 km, to improve traffic flow.
During the review, it was observed that the preparation of DPRs for some projects was not progressing at the desired pace. The secretary issued several directives to project consultants and concerned officials, stressing the need to complete DPRs within stipulated timelines without compromising on quality.
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He also instructed that any bottlenecks or issues encountered during DPR preparation should be promptly reported to higher authorities to enable swift resolution. Officials said these projects are crucial for enhancing connectivity, supporting economic growth, and improving public convenience across the state.