Patna: The Bihar government has stepped up efforts to develop the proposed Pataliputra Satellite Township, a major urban expansion project that envisages acquiring land across 273 villages in nine blocks around Patna.
The draft proposal for the township has been published, and the Urban Development and Housing Department has invited suggestions and objections from landowners and residents by September 30 at udhd@bihar.gov.in.
The proposed special planning area covers parts of Punpun, Naubatpur, Masaurhi, Fatuha, Sampatchak, Patna Rural, Dhanarua, Daniwan and Phulwari blocks.
Under the first phase, development is proposed on land covering 19 villages in Punpun block, making the area the most directly affected by the initial phase. However, farmers and landowners in Punpun have reportedly expressed reluctance to part with their land, making the land acquisition process a key challenge for the department.
Officials have said that suggestions and objections received from residents and landowners will be examined before the government decides the next course of action.
Township to include two urban areas
The proposed township’s special planning area will also include two urban areas. Naubatpur Nagar Panchayat will be partially included, while Punpun Nagar Panchayat will fall entirely within the proposed developed area.
The proposed special planning area covers approximately 81,730 acres, while the identified core area covers 3,008 acres, comprising 19 villages in Punpun block.
The government plans to use a development plan, land-use plan and town planning schemes as the key planning instruments for the township.
Infrastructure planned for 66.10 lakh people
The township is proposed to be developed with a 20-year planning horizon, with infrastructure planned to accommodate a projected population of 66.10 lakh.
The development is proposed around the 15-minute neighbourhood concept, under which essential facilities such as schools, hospitals, parks and markets would be accessible within about 15 minutes by walking or cycling.
Location and connectivity
The proposed township is planned near the Bihta-Sarmera Ring Road and Jat Dumri railway junction. It will also be located close to the Punpun River, Patna-Gaya-Dobhi Road, the Amas-Darbhanga Expressway, the proposed FinTech City, Sports City and Judicial Academy.
The proposed core area is around:
- 13 km from the main city boundary
- 21 km from the CBD at Maurya Lok Complex
- 20 km from Patna Railway Station
- 24 km from Patna Airport
Government plans outreach to landowners
Amid opposition from farmers and landowners, the Urban Development and Housing Department has prepared a stakeholder consultation programme to explain the township proposal.
Officials plan to meet farmers and landowners in the affected areas and provide details of the proposed development. The department will particularly engage directly with landowners whose properties fall within the planning area, with the stated objective of understanding their concerns and taking their participation and consent into account while proceeding with the project.
The suggestions and objections received by September 30 will form part of the department’s consideration before further decisions are taken on the proposed township.
