Patna: The Bihar government is preparing for a major overhaul of building bylaws to support the rapid development of 11 proposed satellite townships across the state and make housing more affordable for residents.
The Urban Development and Housing Department has initiated a comprehensive review of the existing Bihar Building Bylaws and formed a dedicated team to examine outdated rules and conditions. Officials said a new draft has already been prepared and will soon be sent to the state cabinet for approval.
The proposed reforms are aimed at simplifying the process of map approvals, increasing construction flexibility and encouraging large-scale residential and commercial development, particularly in urban areas facing land shortages.
Officials pointed out that Patna’s geographical expansion remains restricted due to the presence of the Ganga and Son rivers. Departmental surveys have found that limited land availability and rising demand have pushed property prices to record levels in the state capital. In contrast, planned sector-wise expansion in the Delhi-NCR region has enabled the development of comparatively affordable housing projects.
Taking cues from such urban models, the Bihar government is now working to ease construction norms to facilitate affordable housing and accelerate urban expansion.
Real Estate Sector Expected to Benefit
The proposed amendments are expected to provide a major boost to Bihar’s real estate sector. Officials believe that allowing higher Floor Area Ratio (FAR) on smaller plots, similar to Delhi-NCR, will help builders construct taller buildings with more housing units, ultimately reducing the cost of flats for buyers.
The department also plans to integrate the building approval process with a mandatory single-window system and introduce self-certification mechanisms to reduce corruption and administrative delays.
Five Key Rules Under Review
Expansion of Commercial Construction:
The government may increase the permissible commercial construction area on small plots by over 70 percent. This is expected to help developers build larger complexes even in densely populated areas.
Simplified Map Approval Process:
Projects up to 16 metres in height, equivalent to five to six floors, may no longer require lengthy departmental approvals. Listed architects will be allowed to approve maps directly under the new system.
Relaxation in FAR and Setback Norms:
The government is considering increasing the FAR limit from 5.5 to 6. Additionally, plots measuring 10 metres in width may no longer require mandatory side setbacks, allowing more efficient land use.
No Jail for Minor Technical Violations:
Under the proposed Bihar Jan Vishwas Act 2026, minor technical errors in construction projects may attract only financial penalties instead of imprisonment. New sustainability and safety standards for buildings are also being planned.
Only Registered Builders and Architects to Approve Maps:
The revised framework proposes that only registered builders and empanelled architects will be authorised to approve building plans. Non-polluting household industries may also receive special encouragement in rural planning areas.
Vinay Kumar, Principal Secretary of the Urban Development and Housing Department, said the government is working to simplify the construction process for flats and houses across Bihar.
“The building bylaws are being revised once again to make housing development easier. The final draft will be ready within the next few days,” he said.
