The Nitish Kumar Bihar government is set to introduce a pioneering ‘Road Health Policy’ aimed at improving road maintenance and accountability. Citizens will be rewarded up to ₹5,000 for reporting potholes, with repairs mandated within 72 hours. The initiative includes a road ambulance system, making road upkeep citizen driven and transparent.
In a bold step toward better infrastructure, Bihar’s government has announced plans to roll out a ‘Road Health Policy’ that treats road maintenance like healthcare. The initiative, unveiled by Road Construction Minister Dr. Dilip Jaiswal, seeks to eliminate potholes and ensure timely repairs while actively involving citizens in monitoring road conditions.
Key Highlights:
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Citizen Rewards: Scheme titled “Gadha Batao, ₹5,000 Pao” (spot a pothole, earn ₹5,000).
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Repair Timeline: Verified potholes must be fixed within 72 hours.
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Road Ambulance System: Special units to respond quickly to road damage.
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Transparency & Accountability: Strict penalties for officials ignoring complaints.
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Launch Date: Policy expected to roll out from February 15, 2026.
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Objective: Reduce accidents, improve road safety, and empower citizens to participate in governance.
This innovative approach positions Bihar as a first-mover in reward-based road maintenance, blending technology, accountability, and public participation to tackle one of India’s most persistent infrastructure challenges.
Sources: Free Press Journal, Times of India, NewsBytes