A big plan is unfolding in Patna to expand like Delhi NCR, bringing new hopes for the people of Bihar. Urban Development Minister Jibesh Mishra announced that Greater Patna will grow under a model inspired by Delhi’s NCR. Moreover, the government will use a land pooling policy, where landowners contribute their plots to build homes, roads, and parks. This method will ensure better planning and create modern spaces for residents.
At the same time, the Patna Metro Rail project is set to begin this month. The minister explained that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may visit Bihar on September 29 to launch the metro’s first corridor. Initially, trains will run on three stations. However, new stations will open every month, which will steadily expand the network. As a result, traffic jams will be reduced, and daily travel will become easier.
To reduce pressure on Patna, the government also plans to create nine satellite towns around major cities. These towns will provide homes, schools, and hospitals. Consequently, congestion in crowded areas will ease, and people will enjoy better living conditions both inside and outside the capital.
Cleanliness remains another major focus. Under the ‘Swachhta Seva Abhiyan,’ the government aims to make Bihar’s urban areas garbage-free by 2026-27. The drive will continue until October 29 this year. In addition, the state is working with an NGO from Coimbatore to build gas-based crematoriums. Seven out of 41 projects are complete, and more will follow soon, ensuring cleaner and safer practices.
Furthermore, the Namami Gange scheme is showing visible results. Out of 27 cities along the Ganga in Bihar, 22 already have sewage treatment plants. Out of 38 approved projects, 23 are finished. These plants are vital for keeping the river clean. Patna now ranks fourth in cleanliness among 88 Ganga cities and 21st at the national level. Patna and Gaya earned 3-star ratings, while Bhagalpur and Supaul only managed 1 star. Thus, more improvement is still needed.
Technology is also playing a key role in safety. Patna Smart City Limited and BUIDCo have set up an Integrated Control and Command Centre. This center has already helped solve many crime cases. Therefore, the city is becoming safer for its people.
Bihar’s urban population is also growing at a rapid pace. In 2005, only 11% of people lived in cities. By 2024-25, that number has risen to nearly 20%. Because more people are moving to towns, the demand for housing, transport, and water continues to rise. Encouragingly, tap water connections have grown from just 3.26 lakh households in 2011 to 24.98 lakh today. This change has directly improved health and living standards.
Women are also gaining better opportunities. Across the state, 3.12 lakh self-help groups include more than 75 lakh women. They are enrolling in the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana for jobs and skill training. Moreover, people have already filed over 5.26 lakh applications online for SHG membership in 261 urban local bodies
All these efforts prove that Bihar is preparing for a new urban future. From metro trains to cleaner cities, and from satellite towns to stronger water supply, the progress is visible everywhere. With these steps, the vision of Patna to expand like Delhi NCR is steadily turning into reality, promising better lives for millions.
