Bihar Pioneers AI Drone Tech for Bridge Safety Under New Policy

In a groundbreaking move, the Bihar Road Construction Department has adopted AI-driven drone technology to bolster bridge safety, as outlined in the new Bihar State Bridge Management & Maintenance Policy, 2025. The policy, a pioneering effort at the state level in India, was approved by the Bihar Cabinet last month.

Replacing the outdated manual inspection method, drones will now perform advanced aerial assessments of the state's 3,968 bridges. The strategy particularly focuses on 45 high-risk structures, as identified by third-party audits from IIT Patna and IIT Delhi. These drones, equipped with high-resolution 4K cameras, thermal imaging, and LiDAR, will deliver thorough examinations of crucial bridge components including foundations and decks, adhering to the technical standards of the policy.

The integration of artificial intelligence allows for the meticulous analysis of collected data, identifying sub-millimeter cracks and corrosion with an accuracy of 98.5%. This inspection data is seamlessly incorporated into the Bridge Health Index (BHI) system, providing a tangible star rating reflective of each bridge's condition. Immediate action is mandated for any critical structures scoring below 20 on the BHI. Minister Nitin Nabin emphasized that this innovative approach marks a crucial first for the nation, ensuring comprehensive safety and risk mitigation. By 2026, the goal is to develop digital twin models for lifetime monitoring across all mega bridges, significantly advancing public safety standards.

(With inputs from agencies.)