The Bihar Government has announced an innovative citizen participation-based road maintenance policy titled "Gaddha Batao, ₹5,000 Pao" (Spot a Pothole, Get ₹5,000). Scheduled for rollout from 15 February 2026, the initiative aims to improve road quality by encouraging citizens to report potholes through a dedicated helpline. The policy also introduces Road Ambulances for rapid repairs and mandates strict accountability for contractors and departmental engineers if potholes are not repaired within 72 hours. The State Government has described it as the first reward-based road maintenance policy of its kind in India. (The Times of India)
The proposed "Gaddha Batao, ₹5,000 Pao" initiative represents a shift from the conventional government-driven road inspection mechanism towards participatory governance, where citizens become active stakeholders in monitoring public infrastructure. By incentivising public reporting of potholes, the government seeks to establish a community-based monitoring system that supplements departmental inspections and enables quicker identification of damaged roads.Under the proposed policy, residents will be able to report potholes through a dedicated helpline. After verification by the concerned authorities, valid complaints will be rewarded with ₹5,000, thereby encouraging public vigilance and improving responsiveness in road maintenance. The financial incentive is intended not merely as a reward but as a mechanism to promote accountability and continuous surveillance of road conditions by the public. (The Times of India)Another important component of the policy is the deployment of Road Ambulances, specialised maintenance units designed to respond quickly to complaints and undertake immediate repair work. These mobile units are expected to reduce the response time between complaint registration and restoration of road conditions, thereby minimising inconvenience to commuters and preventing minor defects from developing into major structural failures. (Hindustan)The policy further introduces strict performance accountability for contractors and departmental engineers. If reported potholes are not repaired within 72 hours, disciplinary and contractual action may be initiated against responsible officials and contractors. Such provisions strengthen performance-based governance by linking service delivery with administrative accountability. (The Times of India)From a governance perspective, the initiative aligns with the broader principles of Good Governance, including citizen participation, transparency, accountability, responsiveness, and efficient public service delivery. It also supports better asset management of road infrastructure, as early detection and timely maintenance significantly reduce long-term repair costs while improving road safety.If effectively implemented, the policy may contribute to reduced road accidents caused by potholes, improved quality of road infrastructure, greater public confidence in government services, and stronger collaboration between citizens and the administration.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Initiative | Gaddha Batao, ₹5,000 Pao |
| State | Bihar |
| Proposed Rollout | 15 February 2026 |
| Reward | ₹5,000 for verified pothole reports |
| Reporting Mechanism | Dedicated helpline |
| Repair Timeline | Within 72 hours |
| Special Provision | Road Ambulances for rapid repair |
| Accountability | Action against contractors and engineers for delay |
Government of Bihar
Good Governance refers to the manner in which public institutions conduct public affairs and manage public resources efficiently, transparently, and accountably while ensuring participation and responsiveness.
Updated – 12 January 2026 | 01:12 AMNews Source: