Patna, Jul 27 (IANS): The Bihar government has decided to make 'health cards' for bridges in the state In order to monitor their condition. A policy will also be framed for their maintenance and to make them durable.

Nand Kishore Yadav, Minister, Road Construction Department, told IANS on Saturday that a 'maintenance policy' has been framed to monitor the maintenance of roads in the state. The construction of state highways and roads in rural areas is being done as per the policy. Companies which are constructing the roads have also been given the contract for their maintenance, under which they have to maintain the roads for seven years, he added.

He said that the government is also considering a similar policy for bridges too.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also emphasised on the safety of bridges while addressing a workshop - 'Big Bridges: Innovation and Challenges' on Friday. He has also ordered to set up a dedicated wing for the same.

The Chief Minister added: "A bridge management system will be set up in Bihar to monitor the maintenance of the bridges. An audit of the bridges will be done for endurance. For the big bridges running over the rivers, emphasis will be on underwater inspection. A 'health card' for every bridge will be made."

Yadav said they will also take care that the flow of the river does not get affected while the bridge is being constructed.

The minister said, "Road maintenance will also be brought under the Public Grievance Redressal Act so that the citizens can complain about bad roads and work on them can be completed in the given timeline."

A road construction department official said the condition of the bridges will be better known after inspection in the flood prone areas. If a bridge is weak, then either it will be repaired or a new bridge will be constructed.