Patna: The Bihar government has outlined an ambitious roadmap for sustainable urban development, with plans to build new cities, develop satellite townships and revitalise older urban centres through a long-term partnership with the World Bank.
The vision was presented during a working-level workshop organised jointly by the Urban Development and Housing Department and the World Bank under the Bihar Urban Transformation Program. The event focused on developing a shared strategy for sustainable urbanisation and was chaired by Principal Secretary Vinay Kumar.
Leading the World Bank delegation, Rossana Nitti shared recommendations on urban transformation, sustainable planning and long-term city development.
New Cities And Satellite Townships Planned
Addressing the workshop, Vinay Kumar said Bihar was pursuing one of its most ambitious urban development agendas, with parallel efforts to create new urban centres while modernising existing cities.
He said work was already underway on the planning of new cities and satellite townships across the state, alongside comprehensive programmes aimed at the redevelopment and rejuvenation of older urban areas.
According to Kumar, these initiatives are intended to support Bihar’s growing urban population while creating more resilient and better-planned cities.
World Bank To Provide Technical And Policy Support
The Principal Secretary described the World Bank as a key partner in Bihar’s urban transformation journey, saying its contribution extends beyond financial assistance.
He said the collaboration would also provide access to international expertise, technical guidance and policy support for projects ranging from satellite township planning to integrated urban infrastructure and the redevelopment of existing cities.
Blueprints for several proposed urban projects are being prepared with the support of global experts, he added.
Projects To Roll Out Over The Next Decade
Officials said the Bihar Urban Transformation Program is designed as a long-term initiative, with major projects expected to be implemented over the coming decade.
Some short-term projects are expected to begin taking shape within the next two to three years.
Kumar said financial arrangements for the programme had already been secured and that, in addition to the World Bank, several national institutions would also support the implementation of urban development initiatives.
Integrated Approach To Urban Development
The workshop brought together senior officials from multiple departments to discuss strategies for sustainable urbanisation, municipal finance, integrated planning and urban governance.
According to the Urban Development Department, the programme seeks to develop a coordinated model for urban growth by bringing together government departments, financial institutions and technical experts under a common framework.
Officials said the approach is intended to improve planning, strengthen municipal finances and ensure that infrastructure development keeps pace with Bihar’s urban expansion.
Senior Officials And Experts Participate
The workshop was attended by senior officials from the Urban Development and Housing Department, the Finance Department, the Water Resources Department, Patna Municipal Corporation, the Transport Department and the Road Construction Department.
Representatives from the World Bank, including Rossana Nitti, Bernardus J.H. Maskens, Prakash Gaur and Poonam Ahluwalia, also participated in discussions on the future direction of Bihar’s urban development strategy.
The state government said the collaboration is expected to lay the foundation for a new phase of planned urbanisation, with initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, strengthening local governance and supporting sustainable economic growth across Bihar.
