Patna is poised for a significant urban transformation as the state government plans to develop Greater Patna following the model of Delhi’s National Capital Region (NCR), leveraging land pooling policies to enable structured urban expansion. The announcement was made by Urban Development and Housing Department (UDHD) Minister Jibesh Mishra on Wednesday.
The Patna Metro Rail project, a key component of this urban upgrade, is slated to begin operations this month on the priority corridor. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to formally inaugurate the service during his visit to Bihar on September 29. The initial phase will cover three stations, with incremental expansion planned as new stations become operational each month.
Minister Mishra highlighted that nine satellite towns are being developed around major urban centers to reduce congestion, improve livability, and ensure balanced regional growth. These towns will act as auxiliary hubs, supporting infrastructure, housing, and public services to complement the main urban settlements.
The state government’s ongoing ‘SwachhtaSevaAbhiyan’ campaign will continue until October 29, targeting garbage-free urban environments across Bihar by 2026–27. As part of this initiative, the government is also modernizing cremation facilities, partnering with a Coimbatore-based NGO to establish gas-based crematoriums statewide. Seven of the 41 approved electric crematorium projects are already operational, while the gas-based facilities are in advanced stages of planning.
Significant progress has also been made under the Namami Gange programme to improve urban sanitation infrastructure. Of the 27 cities along the Ganga in Bihar, 22 now have sewage treatment plants, and 23 of the 38 approved projects have been completed. Mishra noted that Patna ranked fourth among 88 cities along the river in sanitation metrics. Patna and Gaya received 3-star ratings under the Ganga Floodplain Sustainability (GFS) certification, while Bhagalpur and Supaul earned 1-star ratings. Patna also secured the 21st position nationwide in overall cleanliness rankings.
The minister acknowledged the efforts of Patna Smart City Limited and Bihar State Building Construction Corporation Limited (BUIDCo), led by Managing Director Animesh Kumar Parashar, for implementing the integrated control and command centre (ICCC) in Patna. The ICCC has been instrumental in monitoring urban operations and assisting in crime prevention and management.
Bihar’s urban population has grown from 11% in 2005 to 20% in 2024–25, reflecting the need for expanded infrastructure and housing. Tap water supply, which served only 3.26 lakh households in 2011, now reaches approximately 24.98 lakh urban households, highlighting improvements in basic utilities.
The minister also emphasized women’s empowerment initiatives through the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana. Over 75 lakh women associated with 3.12 lakh self-help groups in rural Bihar have applied under the programme, while 5.26 lakh applications have been received online for SHG membership in 261 urban local bodies.
With the launch of the metro rail, development of satellite towns, and enhanced sanitation and civic infrastructure, Greater Patna is set to undergo a transformation aimed at balancing urban growth with improved quality of life, reflecting a model similar to the Delhi NCR framework.
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