Patna: The Bihar government is preparing to take a major step towards planned urban expansion by establishing the Bihar Urban Development Authority (Urban Development Authority) for developing greenfield satellite townships and new urban areas across the state.
The proposed authority will work as a statutory body responsible for planning, developing, monitoring and expanding urban infrastructure. The move aims to create modern cities, improve public facilities, attract investment and generate new employment opportunities.
Copies of the proposed legislation were distributed in the Bihar Assembly on the first day of the Monsoon Session.
New Authority to Lead Future Urban Planning and Development
The Bihar Urban Development Authority will become the central agency for major decisions related to urban development projects.
The authority will identify areas suitable for future expansion and prepare detailed development plans for these locations. It will focus on creating well-planned urban centres equipped with modern facilities and sustainable infrastructure.
The government expects the authority to help develop new economic hubs and accelerate the pace of urbanisation in Bihar.
Read also: Bihar’s Muzaffarpur Leather Park to Boost ‘Made in Bihar’ Products in National and Global Markets
Authority to Manage Roads, Water Supply, Transport and Digital Infrastructure
The proposed Urban Development Authority will be responsible for developing and maintaining key urban facilities, including:
- Roads and transportation networks
- Drinking water supply systems
- Sewerage and drainage infrastructure
- Solid waste management facilities
- Electricity infrastructure
- Digital connectivity and smart facilities
- Public transport systems
- Schools, hospitals and other public amenities
The authority will also oversee maintenance and expansion of these facilities in newly developed urban areas.
Financial Powers to Support Large-Scale Urban Projects
To implement development plans, the authority will have multiple financial resources.
Funds can be raised through:
- Government grants
- Budgetary assistance
- Bonds
- Debentures
- Other approved financial sources
The authority will also have powers to collect various fees, charges, cess and other applicable payments to support urban development activities.
Before declaring any area as a special development zone, consultation with the authority will be mandatory.
Bihar Urban Development Fund to Be Created
The government will also establish a separate fund called the Bihar Urban Development Fund.
The fund will be managed by the Urban Development Authority and will be used to support infrastructure development and implementation of urban projects.
The government aims to bring all major urban development decisions under one platform to improve coordination and speed up project execution.
Key Responsibilities of Bihar Urban Development Authority
The major functions of the proposed authority will include:
- Identifying special development areas
- Preparing urban development plans
- Building roads, water supply, sewerage and drainage systems
- Expanding electricity and digital infrastructure
- Developing public transport facilities
- Establishing schools, hospitals and other public services
- Managing movable and immovable properties
- Raising funds for development projects
- Collecting fees, charges and other financial resources
Composition of Bihar Urban Development Authority
The proposed authority will include senior officials from various departments of the Bihar government.
Chairman:
- Chief Secretary, Bihar
Vice Chairman:
- Additional Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary or Secretary of the Urban Development and Housing Department
Ex-Officio Members:
Senior officials from departments including:
- Finance Department
- Revenue and Land Reforms Department
- Industries Department
- Tourism Department
- Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department
- Water Resources Department
- Road Construction Department
- Energy Department
- Rural Works Department
- Public Health Engineering Department
Chief Executive Officer:
A Special Secretary-level or higher-ranking officer appointed by the Bihar government will serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the authority.
Government Vision for Modern Urban Growth in Bihar
The formation of the Bihar Urban Development Authority is aimed at creating a structured framework for future city development in the state.
Through planned satellite townships, improved infrastructure and coordinated decision-making, the government expects to promote economic growth, attract private investment and create employment opportunities while ensuring better living standards for residents.
