Patna: Expressing strong displeasure over potholes on state roads, road construction minister Kumar Shailendra on Wednesday ordered immediate repairs and set a one-week deadline for submission of compliance reports during a review of National Highway projects and road maintenance in Bihar.Chairing a high-level meeting, the minister reviewed project timelines, road safety measures, maintenance work and highway beautification. Senior officials, including the department’s special secretary, joint secretary, NHAI regional officer, MoRTH regional officer and engineers, attended the meeting.Shailendra said several major NH projects in the state were nearing completion. Around 98% of the work on the 42.618-km Mahnar-Bachhwara (Package-2) stretch has been completed.The meeting also reviewed progress of the 4.455-km four-lane bridge being built parallel to Vikramshila Setu over the Ganga in Bhagalpur. The minister said the project would improve connectivity to Bhagalpur, east Bihar, north Bihar and the Seemanchal region after completion.Repair work on Kuaan Pul in Bhagalpur district also came up for review. Officials assured the minister that the work would be completed soon. Shailendra directed them to restore the bridge at the earliest while maintaining quality standards to prevent any mishap.The minister also asked officials to expedite maintenance work, deploy additional manpower and submit progress reports with photographs within seven days.He directed officials to fast-track resolution of issues related to land acquisition, forest department clearances, and shifting of electric poles and wires to ensure projects are completed on schedule without compromising quality.Shailendra also called for proper installation of dividers in line with safety norms, large-scale plantation drives for road beautification and regular monitoring from headquarters to ensure visible progress on the ground.
