State Bureau, Patna: The Bihar government has approved a major expansion of its road and urban infrastructure plans, including the introduction of toll collection on 47 bridges and 55 state highways.The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary on Wednesday, during which 27 proposals were approved. The proposals cover road user charges, urban development, infrastructure funding, and the widening of Nehru Path in Patna.
In the first phase, 47 bridges measuring more than 250 metres in length and 55 state highways have been identified for toll collection. However, toll collection will not begin immediately at these locations. The government will first complete the necessary surveys, infrastructure, and other arrangements required to implement the system.
According to Jagran.com, a traffic survey will be conducted to determine the number of vehicles using the selected roads and bridges. The survey will also establish the origin and destination of the vehicles. Further arrangements will be made based on the data collected during the survey.
The locations of toll plazas will be determined for each road and bridge according to traffic volume. The size and design of the plazas will be based on factors such as the number of vehicles and the number of lanes on each road. FASTag facilities will also be introduced to make the toll collection system more efficient and convenient.
Under the new toll system, several activities will be undertaken, including determining road user charge rates, monitoring toll collection, and integrating and managing toll projects. An estimated Rs 30.94 crore will be spent on consultancy services for this purpose.
A technical agency will be engaged to install the equipment and computer systems required to support FASTag-based toll collection. Once all preparations are complete, an agency will be selected to operate the toll collection system. Toll collection will then begin on the selected roads and bridges.
Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme Extended
In a separate development, the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Urban Development Scheme has been approved for continuation from the financial year 2026-27 to 2030-31 to support infrastructure development in urban areas.
Under the scheme, projects related to roads, drainage, parking facilities, footpaths, and street lighting will be undertaken. Plans for the development and improvement of lakes, parks, ghats, and other water bodies will also be included.
Projects under the scheme will be selected with a total allocation of Rs 500 crore.
Rs 39.80 Crore Approved for Nehru Path Widening
Meanwhile, administrative approval has been granted for Rs 39.80 crore for the widening of Nehru Path in Patna over a 7.20-kilometre stretch from Dak Bungalow Chowk to Rukanpura.
In addition to widening the road, the project will include the removal and relocation of drains and footpaths. Provisions have also been made for shifting boundary walls, installing grills along a five-kilometre stretch, relocating utilities and trees, and installing road safety signs.
The measures are aimed at improving road capacity, traffic movement, and overall urban infrastructure along the important stretch in Patna.