By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar conducted a comprehensive review of the construction progress of the Bihta-Danapur elevated road and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) Headquarters in Bihta. The Bihta-Danapur elevated road, once completed, will significantly ease access to Bihta Airport.
The SDRF, established in 2010 along the lines of the National Disaster Response Force, previously lacked in-state training facilities, forcing personnel to travel to other states. From next year, training will be conducted within Bihar, addressing this longstanding issue.
Progress on Bihta-Danapur Elevated Road
During the inspection, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials and representatives from the construction company provided a detailed presentation to the Chief Minister at Kanhauli. The 25.081-kilometre elevated road forms a part of the Patna-Buxar four-lane highway and features four bypasses near Neuraganj (1.20 km), Panel (1.75 km), Kanhauli (1.70 km), and Vishunpura (0.60 km).
The Chief Minister emphasised the importance of expediting the road’s completion, which will enhance connectivity and save travel time. The elevated road will be linked to the railway overbridge (ROB) near Danapur station, further facilitating access to Bihta Airport.
Updates on SDRF Headquarters Construction
The Chief Minister also reviewed the progress of the SDRF headquarters being constructed at Dilawarpur, Bihta. Kumar Ravi, Secretary of the Building Construction Department, presented detailed plans for the campus, which will include several facilities:
- Administrative Building
- Auditorium (500 capacity)
- Training Centre (for 290 trainees)
- Rapid Disaster Team Building (for 30 personnel)
- Quartermaster Store
- National-level Swimming Pool (for flood relief training)
- Residential Housing (for 108 officers, 150 employees, and barracks for 330 personnel)
The first phase of construction, including administrative buildings, residences, and barracks, is expected to be completed by January 2025. The remaining facilities are scheduled for completion by June 2025.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of timely completion, highlighting the necessity of permanent infrastructure to provide accommodation, training, and other amenities for SDRF personnel. This development aims to enhance the effectiveness of disaster response efforts within Bihar.
