Patna: Bihar has announced plans to establish new satellite townships in Sonpur and Sitapuram as part of a wider expansion strategy to manage rising urban pressures on Patna and other major cities. The initiative was approved at the first cabinet meeting of the newly formed government led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Under the proposal, Sonpur, located across the Ganges from Patna, will be developed on the lines of Greater Patna to serve as a major satellite city. A township named Sitapuram is also set to be developed near Sitamarhi, inspired by the mythological site of Punauradham, believed to be associated with Goddess Sita, where a large temple is currently under construction.
In addition to these two projects, satellite townships will be established in nine divisional headquarters across the state: Patna, Chhapra (Saran), Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Bhagalpur, Munger, Purnia and Saharsa. The government says the plan aims to expand urban capacity and create modern, self-sustaining hubs equipped with housing, commercial facilities and employment opportunities.
The Urban Development and Housing Department has been instructed to create a detailed action plan, with land pooling set to be used to implement the project. Officials say the townships will include wide roads, green parks, playgrounds, community centres, recreational zones, commercial corridors, modern waste management, sewage systems, and upgraded traffic and security arrangements. Industrial investment will also be prioritised to generate employment.
Announcing the decision, Nitin Nabin, the state’s Minister for Urban Development and Housing, said: “New cities are planned in 11 major urban centres of the state. Along with the nine divisional headquarters, Sonpur will be developed along the lines of Greater Patna, and Sitapuram will be created keeping Punauradham in mind.”
The government says the plan will reshape Bihar’s urban landscape and support long-term growth, though timelines and funding details have not yet been released.
