Patna, May 8(BiharTimes): In a major push towards urban modernisation and infrastructure expansion, the Bihar Cabinet has approved a USD 500 million (around Rs 4,720 crore) loan from the World Bank to strengthen key cities and develop integrated urban economic zones across the state.
The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, marking what officials describe as a long-term roadmap for building climate-resilient cities, improving civic infrastructure, and easing pressure on densely populated urban centres such as Patna.
Additional Chief Secretary Arvind Kumar Chaudhary said the programme aims to promote “organised growth, rapid urbanisation, and sustainable climate-sensitive development” across Bihar.
Officials clarified that the funding is being extended by the World Bank — a multilateral financial institution supported by over 180 countries, including India — and not as a bilateral loan from any single nation. Along with financial assistance, the agency will also provide technical expertise in urban planning, climate adaptation, governance reforms, and infrastructure management.
While the government has not formally announced the list of pilot cities, policy signals indicate that Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, and Purnia are likely to be among the first to benefit. These cities are already part of the state’s broader urban mobility push, including the rollout of electric buses under the PM eBus Sewa scheme.
According to sources, the World Bank-supported programme will focus on upgrading urban roads, drainage and sewerage systems, flood management infrastructure, drinking water supply, and smart civic services. A key component of the initiative is the planned development of integrated urban economic zones that will combine industrial hubs, logistics centres, commercial infrastructure, and housing in a structured manner.
The government believes the initiative will help transform emerging cities into regional economic growth centres, while reducing migration pressure on Patna. Plans for around 11 satellite townships are also under consideration to complement the urban expansion strategy.
In a parallel decision, the cabinet approved a Rs 15,967 crore road maintenance project covering over 19,300 km of roads across the state. The project will deploy Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technologies for real-time monitoring and maintenance.
The cabinet also cleared enhanced subsidies for operating 400 electric AC buses, approved land transfer for the expansion of Patna airport, and gave the nod to an e-voting system for municipal elections aimed at assisting senior citizens, migrant voters, and persons with disabilities.
The decisions collectively signal a strong policy shift towards technology-driven governance, sustainable urbanisation, and infrastructure-led economic growth in Bihar.
