A damaged Patna road. File photo
By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: The Bihar Road Construction Department is set to introduce a new policy aimed at strengthening road safety and maintenance, which is being projected as a model road maintenance policy for the entire country.
Road Construction Minister Dilip Jaiswal said the responsibility of the department rests with him and that a comprehensive road maintenance policy is being prepared. Drawing an analogy with healthcare services, the minister said that just as an ambulance is rushed to treat a sick person, a similar system will be put in place to treat “injured” or damaged roads.
Under the proposed policy, a provision for ‘road ambulances’ will be made. As soon as a road develops damage or requires urgent repair, it will be treated promptly. Dedicated road ambulance helpline numbers will be displayed at all major crossings and intersections, enabling the public to report the condition of roads.
The policy is expected to be rolled out in March, after which a six-month window will be given for implementation. Once a complaint is received, the road ambulance will reach the spot within 72 hours to carry out repairs. The minister warned that if engineers or contractors show negligence, strict action will be taken against them.
Within six months, all damaged roads are expected to be repaired. Thereafter, if any citizen sends photographs of potholes or damaged stretches, they will be rewarded, while action will be initiated against the concerned officials and contractors. The reward amount will be recovered from the accounts of the responsible contractor and officials.
While the minister said the reward amount has not yet been finalised and will be announced after the policy is formally notified, sources indicated that it could be set at ₹5,000. He clarified that the policy will apply only to roads under the Road Construction Department.
Jaiswal further said arrangements are being made for the maintenance of all roads, with road ambulances deployed round the clock. A dedicated call centre will be operational, and work will begin immediately upon receiving a complaint.
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