Bihar partners with IIT Delhi for advanced bridge monitoring and maintenance program

Bihar will soon train its engineers in advanced bridge safety techniques through a new partnership with IIT Delhi, aimed at reducing dependence on private consultants and improving in-house expertise.

The Road Construction Department (RCD) has rolled out a six-month certification program in AI-driven bridge design, monitoring, and maintenance that will begin in September 2025.

The initiative is part of the Bihar State Bridge Management & Maintenance Policy, 2025.

More than 100 government engineers will be trained to use drones, sensors, and artificial intelligence tools for monitoring bridge health.

The curriculum includes computing the Bridge Health Index (BHI) using AI/ML analysis, real-time monitoring through strain gauges and tilt meters, and applying algorithm-based Maintenance Priority Index (MPI) models to plan repairs efficiently.

The new policy also makes drone-based inspections mandatory for all bridges maintained by the state.

Alongside training, a Bridge Design Cell will be set up under Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam Limited (BRPNNL) to handle in-house design of bridges, culverts, and retaining walls.

Officials expect this to save the state more than ₹65 crore annually and cut delays in project execution.

Talks are underway with the Indian Academy of Highway Engineers (IAHE) for additional training in road and bridge structures, aimed at creating a specialized pool of engineers.

“The future of infrastructure lies in technology and self-reliance,” Public Works Minister Nitin Nabin said while announcing the program.

Deployment of trained engineers is scheduled for 2025–26, when they will begin real-time monitoring of 85 bridges already audited by IIT Delhi and IIT Patna, according to an official press release.