Patna: Bihar has launched a statewide QR code-based monitoring system for rural roads built under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), making citizens active participants in road maintenance. The initiative uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to analyze citizen-submitted complaints, ensuring faster action and greater transparency.
Citizens as the “Third Eye” for Rural Road Monitoring
Under this system, notice boards with unique QR codes have been installed along PMGSY roads. Citizens can scan the code using their mobile phones, upload photographs of potholes or other road defects, and send feedback directly to the Rural Works Department. AI then analyzes the images to identify severity and urgency, helping officials prioritize repairs effectively.
The system allows citizens to play a critical role in monitoring roads, reducing delays, and ensuring maintenance work is both timely and accurate.
Statewide Implementation Across 23 Districts
The QR code monitoring pilot initially started in Siwan, Supaul, Jamui, Gaya, and Munger districts. The program has now expanded to 23 districts, with the remaining districts to be integrated soon.
District-wise QR code deployment includes:
- Gaya: 74 roads
- Katihar: 60 roads
- Madhepura: 59 roads
- Aurangabad: 54 roads
- Samastipur: 39 roads
- Rohtas: 25 roads
- Vaishali: 22 roads
- Patna & Darbhanga: 19 roads each
- Siwan: 17 roads
- Banka & Begusarai: 16 roads each
- Buxar, Madhubani & Muzaffarpur: 14 roads each
- Jamui: 11 roads
- Purnia: 10 roads
- Bhojpur: 8 roads
- East Champaran & Supaul: 7 roads each
- Saran, Munger & Shivhar: 4 roads each
Officials said Gaya district has the highest number of QR codes installed, setting an example for citizen-led monitoring across the state.
AI-Driven Complaint Analysis for Timely Action
Each PMGSY road has a unique QR code linking to a feedback system. Citizens can submit images of road defects, which are analyzed via AI and integrated with regular departmental inspections. This ensures that complaints reach the authorities without intermediaries, speeding up maintenance processes and improving overall road quality.
Enhancing Transparency and Public Participation
The Rural Works Department has instructed all executive engineers to ensure QR code notice boards are installed and citizen feedback is closely monitored. This initiative is part of Bihar’s broader effort to promote transparency, accountability, and public participation in rural infrastructure projects.
By combining technology and citizen engagement, Bihar aims to maintain safer, more durable rural roads while empowering residents to actively safeguard infrastructure in their communities.
Read also: Bihar Upgrades Rural Roads to 2 Lanes Under ‘Saat Nishchay-3’, Connecting Over 1.19 Lakh Villages
