Patna: Bihar’s infrastructure expansion has gained pace with more than 600 panchayat govt buildings completed across the state, while construction work on over 250 block-cum-circle office buildings is currently underway. Reviewing progress on these major projects, building construction department secretary Kumar Ravi directed officials to ensure faster execution, strict quality standards and completion of all pending tender processes in a transparent and competitive manner.Chairing a review meeting in Patna, Ravi assessed projects being implemented by the building construction department (BCD) and Bihar State Building Construction Corporation Limited for 19 departments, including home (prisons), minority welfare, rural development and general administration.The department is currently constructing 2,615 panchayat buildings across Bihar to strengthen grassroots governance infrastructure. So far, 284 completed buildings have been handed over to the Panchayati Raj Department. Ravi directed officials to set monthly targets and expedite completion and handover of remaining structures.He also reviewed progress of block-cum-circle office construction, with office buildings being developed in 240 blocks and integrated office-cum-residential complexes in 59 blocks. With work underway at more than 250 locations, he expressed displeasure over delays in tendering and retendering for remaining sites and instructed officials to complete procedures within the stipulated timeframe.He made it clear that all tender processes must be carried out with full transparency and competitiveness, warning that negligence would invite action. Chief engineers were directed to closely monitor progress and ensure accountability at every stage.Ravi also emphasised educational and welfare infrastructure, instructing officials to prioritise residential schools and hostels for scheduled caste and scheduled tribe students. He reviewed construction of academic blocks, hostels and auditoriums at engineering colleges in Bhagalpur, Supaul, Vaishali, Saharsa, Kishanganj and Patna, directing early completion of these projects.Construction of residential buildings and courtrooms in Chapra, Darbhanga, Gaya, Jehanabad, Katihar, Khagaria and Madhepura was also reviewed. Executive engineers were asked to accelerate divisional jail projects and complete handover formalities without delay.The review also covered Atal Kala Bhavans in Buxar, Siwan, Nawada, Kaimur, Sheohar, Araria, Sheikhpura, Jamui, Aurangabad, Arwal and Nalanda, each with a seating capacity of 620. The 630-seat auditorium in Lakhisarai has entered the finishing stage.Ravi further directed immediate completion of firefighting infrastructure at the Chief Secretariat and Vikas Bhawan, stressing the need to strengthen safety systems in key govt buildings.He instructed engineers to conduct regular site inspections and hold weekly review meetings with contractors, warning that strict action would be taken in case of deficiencies and emphasising the use of standard construction materials.
