The optical properties of a new family of neodymium doped BPG (Bi2O3-PbO-Ga2O3) glasses are presented. We measured a high refractive index, of 2.5, and a transmission cutoff in the far infrared at 8µm. Three emission bands are observed centered at 877nm, 1066nm and 1341nm. The emission cross-section is 10-20cm2 and the total spectral linewidth is 30nm at 1066nm. The Judd-Ofelt parameters are calculated and used to evaluate transition probability, radiative lifetime and branching ratios. The optical properties of these Nd:BPG glasses show promise for their use as a new active laser material.