Bihar Tender Scam: An extensive investigation into urban development schemes in Bihar has brought to light a serious issue involving the re-tendering of construction projects that were already completed. These cases, now officially described as duplicate projects, highlight weaknesses in oversight mechanisms and raise important questions about transparency in public infrastructure development. Timely detection has helped avert a major financial loss, but the episode has triggered widespread administrative scrutiny across the state.
Under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Urban Development Scheme, thousands of infrastructure projects were approved with the objective of improving urban amenities across Bihar. These included roads, drainage systems, pathways, and other civic facilities in all 38 districts. In total, 4,787 projects were selected across North and South Bihar, reflecting the scale and ambition of the initiative.
However, before many new construction activities could even begin, investigators discovered that tenders were being issued again for works that had already been completed in several locations. This unusual overlap prompted a deeper review of project records, approvals, and tendering procedures.
A duplicate project, as defined by investigating authorities, refers to a situation where a development scheme is approved and tendered despite the fact that the physical construction work has already been finished earlier. Such duplication not only wastes administrative resources but also poses a direct risk to public funds.
Initial estimates suggest that if these projects had moved forward unchecked, the state could have faced a financial loss of nearly Rs 250 crore. The identification of these cases at an early stage played a crucial role in preventing what could have escalated into a large-scale financial scam.
The investigation uncovered a total of 105 duplicate projects across Bihar. Out of these, 32 schemes were cancelled immediately, as they were found to be in the early stages of re-tendering. Government officials confirmed that cancelling these projects alone helped prevent a significant misuse of public money.
Authorities have clarified that the remaining projects are still under detailed examination. Any scheme found to involve irregularities will face cancellation, and responsibility will be fixed on the officials involved.
Several duplicate projects were identified in Patna, the state capital, where infrastructure work such as roads, drains, and PCC paths had already been completed. Despite this, fresh tenders were issued for the same structures. One notable case involved a road on the Bypass Road in Patna that was completed in June but was re-included in an urban scheme just three months later. Following the investigation, this tender was cancelled.
Beyond Patna, similar cases have been reported from districts such as Aurangabad, Gaya, Munger, Nalanda, Nawada, Buxar, Katihar, Purnia, and Siwan. Around 15 projects in the capital region alone came under scrutiny, indicating that the problem was not confined to a single area.
The Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited was responsible for executing projects under the urban development scheme. As part of standard procedure, physical inspections were required before issuing tenders. However, investigators found significant lapses during this inspection phase.
On the directions of senior officials, the scope of the inquiry was expanded, which led to the identification of more duplicate projects. These findings have raised concerns about internal checks, documentation practices, and field verification processes.
The investigation also revealed that earlier tenders were often issued at relatively high rates. Recently, a shift has been made toward issuing tenders based on the Bill of Rates system. Officials believe this change has improved cost transparency and will help reduce the likelihood of similar irregularities in the future.
The state government has initiated departmental action to fix accountability among engineers and officials found responsible for these lapses. At the same time, opposition parties have criticized the government, arguing that the issue could have turned into a major scam without timely intervention.
Government sources maintain that the investigation itself demonstrates a commitment to transparency and accountability. According to officials in the Chief Minister’s Office, all development schemes will now be reviewed in phases, and monitoring mechanisms across Bihar have been strengthened.
The government has reiterated that misuse of public funds will not be tolerated and that strict action against those responsible is inevitable. Enhanced supervision and procedural reforms are expected to play a key role in restoring public confidence in urban development initiatives.
