Bihar To Deploy AI Technology For Road Maintenance Under OPRMC-3 Scheme

Bihar will use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning technology for road maintenance as part of the third phase of the Output and Performance-based Road Maintenance Contract (OPRMC-3). The decision was taken on Wednesday during a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Pratyay Amrit.

Under the new framework, stricter standards along with AI-based monitoring will be implemented for the maintenance of 19,327 kilometres of roads across the state. The meeting also reviewed a newly prepared framework aimed at improving road quality and ensuring smoother traffic movement.

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Following the success of OPRMC-2, the state government has approved the implementation of OPRMC-3 for another seven years. The scheme will cover 19,327 km of roads across 100 packages, with the average cost estimated at Rs 1.22 crore per kilometre for the seven years. In the previous phase, 13,064 km of roads were maintained under 72 packages, making the current phase significantly larger in scope.

Under OPRMC-3, bridges and culverts up to six metres in length will be fully maintained and managed. For bridges longer than six metres, maintenance will be limited to the road crust and shoulders of the approach roads. Drain construction for water discharge has been capped at one per cent of the total road length.

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AI and machine learning tools will be used to survey road defects, reducing human intervention and enabling quicker response by contractors. A separate provisional fund has also been earmarked to handle emergencies, VVIP movements and natural disasters.

The new framework includes strict provisions for debarment and blacklisting of contractors found negligent in maintenance work. The meeting was attended by Road Construction Department Secretary Pankaj Pal and Finance Department (Expenditure) Secretary Rachna Patil.