Patna: Land has been identified for the development of new townships in 11 cities across Bihar, including the capital Patna, after the state cabinet cleared the proposal. Acting swiftly, the urban development and housing department issued a detailed resolution outlining the extent, boundaries and planning framework for each proposed township.
The notification specifies the exact revenue villages and urban areas that will form part of designated “core” and “special” zones. Authorities have imposed an immediate ban on land transactions, construction and development activities within these areas to prevent unregulated expansion during the planning phase.
The moratorium will remain in force until March 31, 2027 in Patna, Sonepur, Gaya, Darbhanga, Saharsa, Purnia and Munger, allowing time for zonal and master plans to be notified. In Muzaffarpur, Chapra, Bhagalpur and Sitamarhi—where planning areas are being expanded—the restrictions will continue until June 30, 2027.
Patna: Large-Scale Integrated Township Planned
In Patna, the proposed township—Pataliputram—will be developed primarily in the Punpun block, where a core area of 1,010 acres has been identified across a cluster of revenue villages, including Abdalpur Pipra, Bajidpur, Pipra, Panwar, Nuruddinpur, Dumri and Sikandarpur.
Beyond this, a vast “special area” of approximately 81,730 acres has been demarcated across eight blocks—Punpun, Fatuha, Sampatchak, Patna Rural, Dhanarua, Daniyawan, Masaurhi and Phulwari—covering around 275 revenue villages. This zone is intended to accommodate long-term urban expansion and infrastructure growth.
The township is expected to include major facilities such as a fintech city, sports city, logistics hub and judicial academy, positioning Patna as a regional economic and institutional centre. The site lies roughly 13km from the city limits, 20km from Patna railway station and about 24km from the airport.
Sonepur: Proximity-Driven Expansion
In Sonepur, the core township area will span 2,000 acres across 10 revenue villages, while the special area extends to 33,000 acres covering 147 villages in adjoining blocks such as Dariyapur, Parsa and Dighwara. The site’s proximity to a proposed airport—about 1km away—is expected to enhance its strategic importance.
Gaya: Linking Urban and Heritage Zones
The township in Gaya will integrate areas from Gaya town and Bodh Gaya, with a 1,629-acre core and a 22,200-acre special area spread across Paraiya, Bodh Gaya and adjoining regions. Its location near key transport hubs—including the airport just 5km away—adds to its development potential.
Darbhanga: Airport-Led Growth Corridor
Darbhanga’s township will include 17 villages in its 1,600-acre core area, supported by a 17,400-acre special zone across Darbhanga, Bahadurpur and Keoti blocks. The proximity to Darbhanga airport—just 1.5km—positions it as a potential growth corridor.
Saharsa and Purnia: Integrated Urban-Rural Planning
In Saharsa, the core area of 1,020 acres lies within the Kahara block, with a significantly larger special area of 25,200 acres extending into neighbouring regions. Purnia’s township, by contrast, has a smaller core of 1,374 acres but remains strategically located near an airport, with expansion planned across 2,600 acres.
Munger: River-Linked Development
Munger’s township will cover 1,016 acres in its core area, with a 6,750-acre special zone extending across Bariarpur, Jamalpur and Kharagpur blocks. The presence of the Ganga river within its boundary framework is expected to influence its development model.
Muzaffarpur and Chapra: Peri-Urban Expansion
Muzaffarpur’s township includes an 800-acre core and a 20,200-acre special area across multiple blocks, while Chapra’s plan features a smaller 550-acre core supported by a 15,400-acre expansion zone. Both projects aim to manage peri-urban growth and reduce pressure on city centres.
Bhagalpur and Sitamarhi: Long-Term Regional Planning
In Bhagalpur, the township will include an 861-acre core area in Nathnagar, with a wider 24,000-acre special area covering parts of Shahkund and Sultanganj. Sitamarhi’s plan focuses on the Punoura urban zone, with a 532-acre core and a 10,000-acre special area.
Officials said the initiative represents a shift towards planned urbanisation in Bihar, with clearly defined development boundaries intended to guide housing, infrastructure and economic activity over the coming years.
