Patna: Bihar cabinet on Wednesday approved the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for four Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridors, marking a major step towards developing a modern regional transport network connecting Patna with key urban centres across the state.
The decision was among 22 proposals cleared at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. Cabinet Secretariat Department Additional Chief Secretary Arvind Kumar Chaudhary announced the decisions during a post-cabinet briefing at the Information and Public Relations Department conference hall in Patna.
Four RRTS Corridors Approved
The cabinet granted in-principle approval for preparing the Alternative Analysis Report (AAR) and DPRs for four proposed RRTS corridors at an estimated cost of Rs 31.59 crore.
The work has been entrusted to the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) on a nomination basis.
The proposed corridors are:
- Patna–Gaya Ji
- Patna Airport–Begusarai
- Patna–Hajipur–Proposed Sonepur Airport–Muzaffarpur
- Patna Airport–Ara
According to Chaudhary, the proposed network aims to provide safe, fast, reliable and environmentally sustainable public transport while improving last-mile connectivity. He said the project is expected to strengthen connectivity between Patna and neighbouring urban centres and support the development of satellite townships.
In a separate statement, Urban Development and Housing Minister Nitish Mishra said the initiative has been taken in response to rapid urbanisation, increasing passenger traffic and growing economic activity in and around Patna.
He said the NCRTC identified the four priority corridors after conducting a preliminary assessment based on concept notes submitted by the Urban Development and Housing Department to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
Mishra said the high-speed regional transport system would reduce travel time, ease road congestion and support balanced urban development, while encouraging the growth of the Greater Patna Metropolitan Region on the lines of the National Capital Region model.
Rooftop Solar Power Procurement Cleared
The cabinet also approved signing Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Renewable Energy Services Company (RESCO) developers for procuring electricity generated from grid-connected rooftop solar power plants with a cumulative capacity of 500 MW.
The solar installations will be developed on government and government-owned buildings across the state under the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan.
The agreements will cover the period from the financial year 2025-26 to 2029-30. Bihar’s two distribution companies will procure the electricity, a move expected to reduce energy bills and lower power generation costs.
Self-Help Allowance Scheme Extended
The cabinet extended the Mukhya Mantri Swayam Sahayta Bhatta Yojana for another five years, covering the financial years 2026-27 to 2030-31.
Administrative approval has also been granted for an estimated expenditure of Rs 300 crore under the scheme for the financial year 2026-27.
The scheme, introduced under the state’s Saat Nischay programme and the “Arthik Hal, Yuvaon Ko Bal” initiative, has been in operation since 2016-17 to provide financial assistance to eligible unemployed youth.
AIIMS Patna Expansion Approved
The cabinet approved the acquisition of 26.76 acres of land for the expansion of AIIMS Patna at an estimated cost of Rs 348.89 crore.
The expansion will include a super speciality block, an eye centre, additional buildings and supporting infrastructure. The government said the project will strengthen tertiary healthcare services by enabling treatment of multiple diseases at a single facility.
Vikramshila Bridge Repair
The state government also approved Rs 126.25 crore for constructing a Bailey Bridge, building a new suspended slab and carrying out complete repair and restoration of the Vikramshila Bridge over the Ganga in Bhagalpur district.
Officials said light vehicles will be able to use the bridge after the Bailey Bridge is completed, restoring an important transport link between the Ang and Kosi regions.
Motipur Sugar Mill Revival
The cabinet approved payment of Rs 63.39 crore, along with applicable interest, to M/s Indian Potash Limited (IPL) to recover possession of 266 acres of leased land belonging to the closed Motipur Sugar Mill in Muzaffarpur.
According to the government, the land will be used under the “Samriddh Udyog–Sashakt Bihar” initiative of Saat Nischay-3 for establishing a new sugar mill, a sugarcane research institute and other industries.
Other Key Decisions
Among other decisions, the cabinet approved:
- Rs 79.84 crore for implementing the Pulses Self-Reliance Mission during 2026-27 to increase pulse production, improve productivity and strengthen storage and processing facilities.
- Creation of 76 teaching posts, including professors, associate professors and assistant professors, for postgraduate (M.Tech) programmes in 10 government engineering colleges.
- Transfer of proposals to allot five acres of land each to Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan for 30 years at a token lease amount of Rs 1 to establish Kendriya Vidyalayas in Madhubani, Munger and Muzaffarpur districts.
