Patna: The Bihar government has approved a ₹2,520 crore Vishnupad Corridor project in Gaya, aiming to develop the historic Vishnupad Temple area on the lines of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi.
The decision was taken at a state Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on September 15. The Cabinet approved a total of 17 proposals, covering tourism, water resources, aviation, medical education, agriculture and other sectors.
Vishnupad Corridor Gets ₹2,520 Crore Approval
The proposed corridor will focus on the comprehensive development of the Vishnupad Temple area, one of Gaya’s major religious and heritage destinations.
The government aims to strengthen Gaya’s identity as a prominent pilgrimage and tourism destination by improving infrastructure around the historic site. The project is expected to provide a more organised experience for pilgrims and visitors while supporting the broader development of the city.
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Son River to Be Linked With Falgu
The Cabinet has also approved ₹996.05 crore for a project to connect the Son River with the Falgu, also known as the Niranjana River.
Under the plan, an intake well will be constructed around 23 km upstream of the Indrapuri Barrage. Water drawn from the Son River will travel through an approximately 11-km pipeline before entering the North Koel Main Canal at around the 32.77-km point.
The water will then flow through the North Koel Right Main Canal towards its terminal point. The Water Resources Department has prepared the detailed proposal for implementing the project.
Bihar to Expand Air Connectivity
The Cabinet approved an MoU between the Bihar government, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports Authority of India under the Modified UDAN scheme to expand air connectivity and develop airports, boosting tourism, trade and employment.
It also approved the Bihar State Aviation Cadre Recruitment Rules, 2026, covering recruitment, promotion and service matters for technical and non-technical posts.
366 Assistant Professor Posts in Five Medical Colleges
The government approved contractual appointments against 366 Assistant Professor posts in five state-run medical colleges until regular recruitment takes place.
The institutions include government medical colleges in:
- Bettiah
- Purnia
- Madhepura
- Chhapra
- Samastipur
The move will help these institutions maintain the availability of medical teachers in line with standards prescribed by the National Medical Commission.
Contractual appointments will also be made against vacant posts of professors, associate professors, readers and lecturers or assistant professors in government dental colleges and hospitals until regular appointments or promotions take place.
Makhana, Horticulture and Other Approvals
For 2026-27, the Cabinet approved ₹89.79 crore for the centrally sponsored Makhana Development Scheme.
It also approved ₹2.10 crore for implementing the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm during the financial year 2026-27.
Under the Integrated Horticulture Development Mission, ₹78.34 crore has been approved for 2026-27 and 2027-28. The scheme will focus on increasing the production of fruits, flowers, aromatic plants, mushrooms and other horticultural crops in Bihar.
One-Time Settlement for Brick Kilns
The government is introducing a One-Time Settlement Scheme to recover outstanding dues from brick-kiln owners.
Under the scheme, brick-kiln operators can clear outstanding amounts up to the 2024-25 brick season through a one-time payment and receive a waiver of interest. Around ₹226 crore is currently outstanding from brick kilns in the state.
The Cabinet also approved rules for operating petroleum retail outlets on vacant land inside state prisons. Petrol pumps have been approved on vacant land at Purnia Central Jail and Shaheed Khudiram Bose Central Jail in Muzaffarpur.
Water Management and Information Commission
The Cabinet approved two additional State Information Commissioner posts in the Bihar Information Commission.
It also set a December deadline for technical, policy and administrative preparations under the State Water Reform Framework, focusing on restoring water bodies, silt management and maintenance.
A policy is also proposed to reuse removed silt in roads, irrigation, flood protection and construction, alongside wider decisions on heritage, connectivity, medical education and agriculture.
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