Bihar’s Metro Network to Expand: New Projects Announced for Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, and Bhagalpur

Chirag Gupta

Patna: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar convened a cabinet meeting on Thursday, where a series of pivotal decisions were made, approving 22 agendas. Among the significant announcements, the cabinet greenlit the extension of the metro system beyond Patna, planning its introduction in Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, and Bhagalpur.

Works are already underway on Patna metro rail project, and its first phase is slated to be completed by 2026.

Furthermore, the Bihar Vidhan Sabha’s monsoon session has been slated for July 22-26, comprising five meetings. In a bid to bolster sports infrastructure, the cabinet sanctioned the filling of 98 positions in the sports department and endorsed the establishment of sports clubs in every panchayat, overseen directly by the government.

Moreover, reforms in recruitment processes were outlined, introducing combined offline and online exams for job applicants. A substantial allocation of Rs 12,000 crore was earmarked for the State Financial Corporation (SFC) to procure essential commodities like paddy, wheat, gram, and lentils.

Under the Saat Nischay Part 2 mission, plans were unveiled to construct multi-storey housing units in a PPP model, benefiting 750 urban poor families currently residing in informal settlements. Additionally, Rs 150 crore was allocated for diesel subsidies for farmers with up to 8 acres of land, supporting agricultural operations through five irrigation cycles.

Polytechnic colleges received a boost with a Rs 148 crore funding infusion aimed at enhancing infrastructure including computers, desks, furniture, and laboratory equipment.

This marked the second cabinet meeting post Lok Sabha elections, convened at 11 am in the Council of Ministers room at the Chief Secretariat. Previously, the cabinet had convened on June 14, making 25 critical decisions, including amendments to Bihar’s Unemployment Allowance Rules-2024 under MNREGA.