Patna: The Bihar Cabinet on Wednesday approved a series of policy decisions, including the introduction of toll collection on state highways, the redevelopment of 31 bus terminals under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, the establishment of five new Kendriya Vidyalayas and measures aimed at boosting industrial development.
The decisions were taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and announced by Additional Chief Secretary of the Cabinet Secretariat Department, Arvind Kumar Chaudhary.
Toll Collection Approved On State Highways
The Cabinet approved the Road User Fee (Determination and Collection of Rates) Rules, 2026, paving the way for toll collection on state highways in Bihar.
According to the government, the new rules replace the 1979 framework, which officials said had become outdated.
The rules prescribe base toll rates of:
- Rs 1.25 per kilometre for cars, jeeps, vans and other light motor vehicles.
- Rs 2 per kilometre for light commercial vehicles.
- Rs 4 per kilometre for two-axle buses and trucks.
- Rs 4.60 per kilometre for three-axle commercial vehicles.
- Rs 6.65 per kilometre for heavy construction machinery.
- Rs 8.10 per kilometre for oversized vehicles with seven or more axles.
The government said toll collection would primarily use FASTag and other electronic payment systems, with higher charges applicable to vehicles without FASTag and additional provisions for overloaded vehicles.
31 Bus Terminals To Be Redeveloped
The Cabinet also approved the comprehensive redevelopment of 31 bus stands and depots under the PPP model.
The project covers facilities in Patna, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, Gaya, Darbhanga, Purnia, Munger, Katihar, Saharsa, Nawada, Madhubani, Kishanganj and several other districts.
The upgraded terminals will include modern passenger waiting areas, parking facilities, commercial spaces, digital services, improved sanitation and enhanced traffic management systems.
Officials said the initiative is expected to generate between Rs 200 crore and Rs 300 crore in revenue for the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation.
Somnath Pilgrimage Approved
The Cabinet sanctioned Rs 2.50 crore to organise a special Somnath Yatra for around 1,100 devotees from Bihar.
The pilgrimage is scheduled to begin on July 20 and will be conducted by a special train from Patna as part of the “Somnath Swabhiman Parv – 1,000 Years of Unwavering Faith” programme.
The sanctioned funds will cover travel, logistics and other organisational expenses.
Temple Development In Buxar
The government also approved measures to improve access to the Lord Vamana Temple located within the premises of the Central Jail in Buxar.
Officials said a separate temple complex will be secured with boundary walls and strengthened security arrangements while ensuring prison safety.
Five New Kendriya Vidyalayas
The Cabinet approved the allocation of five acres of government land each, on a 30-year lease at a token rent of Rs 1, for new Kendriya Vidyalayas in:
- Purnia
- Rajgir (Nalanda)
- Sheikhpura
- Madhepura
- Madhubani
The government said the schools would improve access to quality education and modern academic infrastructure.
Faster University Recruitment
The Cabinet also approved amendments to the Bihar State University Service Commission Work Order (Amendment) Rules, 2026.
Under the revised rules, interview boards may now be constituted under professor-level experts in addition to the existing commission members, a move intended to speed up faculty recruitment in state universities and constituent colleges.
Rural Employment Scheme Cleared
The government approved the implementation of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) from July 1, 2026.
The scheme aims to provide up to 125 days of employment annually for unskilled workers, with funding shared between the Centre (60%) and the state government (40%).
The Bihar Rural Development Society has been designated as the nodal agency for implementation.
Other Major Decisions
Among other approvals, the Cabinet:
- Allowed the Patna Municipal Corporation to issue municipal bonds of up to Rs 200 crore.
- Approved Rs 51,923 crore for three-tier Panchayati Raj Institutions under the 16th Finance Commission recommendations for the period 2026–27 to 2030–31.
- Sanctioned Rs 29.56 crore as additional compensation for acquiring 88.83 acres of land for the proposed Birpur Airport.
- Authorised the Infrastructure Development Authority (IDA) to raise loans of up to Rs 25,000 crore from financial institutions for infrastructure and industrial land acquisition.
- Extended the Bihar Industrial Investment Promotion Package (BIIPP) Rules, 2025 until December 31, 2026, or until a new industrial investment policy comes into force, whichever is earlier.
Officials said the decisions were intended to strengthen transport infrastructure, promote industrial investment, improve public services and support economic development across the state.
