PATNA: On Wednesday, the state cabinet, led by CM Samrat Choudhary, approved the government’s decision to raise ₹4,750 crore from the World Bank for projects under the Bihar Urban Transformation Programme. This initiative aims to enhance the economic foundation of selected cities and their adjoining areas through planned urban development and infrastructure creation, focusing on sustainable and environmentally sensitive growth. The proposal was initiated by the Urban Development and Housing Department.
The cabinet also granted administrative approval of ₹15,967.03 crore to the Road Construction Department (RCD) for the inspection, monitoring, and maintenance of 19,305.58 km of roads over the next seven years. These works will be executed in 100 packages using a centralised command and control system and advanced technologies, including AI. Additional Chief Secretary Arvind Choudhary stated that these funds will specifically be used for RCD road maintenance.
Furthermore, the cabinet permitted the RCD to implement user fees for state highways, key bridges, and other significant roads under its jurisdiction. The regulatory framework for this initiative is in development and expected to be finalized within a month.
Also, 1.85 acres of land owned by the Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (Biada) near Patna Airport will be transferred to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for airport-related infrastructure development.
In response to increasing investor interest, the cabinet has extended the Bihar Industrial Investment Incentive Package 2025 until June 30, 2026.
Approval was also given for three anti-erosion projects by the Water Resources Department in Bhojpur, Saran, and Vaishali districts. The projects include Gangapur, Bhusaula, Nandpur, and Damodarpur in Bhojpur (₹52.56 crore), Ballitola to Sabalpur Pachhiyari Tola in Saran (₹57.55 crore), and Ganiyari village in Vaishali (₹64.12 crore).
The cabinet approved a revised estimate of ₹517.16 crore for the procurement of 400 electric AC buses, which will be deployed in six cities—150 in Patna and 50 each in Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, Gaya, Darbhanga, and Purnia.
The MoU between Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, and the state’s Science and Technology Department for its Patna extension centre was extended until December 16, 2030. Additionally, the term of the seventh state finance commission is extended until September 30.
Moreover, an AI training program for legislators, government officials, and employees received approval. The cabinet allocated ₹1.53 crore for the purchase of six vehicles for the governor’s secretariat for the fiscal year 2026-27.
Finally, the cabinet approved a proposal to streamline and enhance transparency for government employees and pensioners to withdraw funds from banks and financial institutions for emergency, short-term, and long-term needs.
