‘Greater Patna’ to Be Developed on NCR Lines; Sonpur and Raghopur to Become High-Tech Satellite Towns

Patna, Bihar: The Bihar government is planning a major urban development initiative to expand and modernize cities across the state. A proposal is underway to establish new satellite townships in 11 cities, with a broader master plan being drafted for 43 urban centers. Among the key projects is the creation of a high-tech satellite township across the Ganga in Sonpur and Raghopur, envisioned as part of the “Greater Patna” development, modeled on the National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi.

Strategic Expansion Across the Ganga
Officials from the Urban Development and Housing Department (UHD) stated that nearly 500 acres near the JP Setu (Digha-Sonpur rail-cum-road bridge) will be used to construct the new satellite township. The initiative aims to ease population pressure, traffic congestion, and infrastructure load on Patna while promoting balanced regional growth. Sonpur, strategically located on the northern bank of the Ganga and well-connected via JP Setu, has been identified as an ideal site for this urban expansion.

World-Class Infrastructure Planned
The government is also considering the inclusion of Raghopur Diara within Greater Patna. A high-level team has studied river erosion patterns in the region to ensure sustainable development. The township will feature world-class amenities, including wide roads, green parks, residential neighborhoods, commercial hubs, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and sustainable infrastructure.

Officials Emphasize Modern Urban Planning
Authorities highlighted that the development will comply with the Bihar Urban Planning Regulation Rules-2025, recently approved by the state cabinet. This framework facilitates the creation of master plans for 43 cities and aligns with the state’s ambitious goal of establishing 11 modern satellite and greenfield townships in cities including Sitamarhi, Chhapra, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and others.

Expert Insights and Land Acquisition
Former Urban Development Minister Nitin Naveen noted that the project will help provide modern amenities while reducing pressure on existing urban centers like Patna. Experts have emphasized that successful implementation will depend on efficient land acquisition, floodplain management, environmental safeguards, and equitable benefits for local landowners, potentially granting them up to 55% of the developed land. Retired PRDA chief engineers indicated that if realized, the project could transform areas across the Ganga into vibrant urban extensions of Patna, boosting real estate, employment, and overall regional growth.

Project Report and Implementation Timeline
A detailed project report (DPR) is being prepared, with construction expected to accelerate in the coming years as part of Bihar’s sustainable and smart urban development vision. The concept of Greater Patna across the Ganga was first proposed by the Patna Regional Development Authority (PRDA) in 2006 and later incorporated into the 2021 Patna Master Plan. The plan includes a ring road connecting the northern bank areas, along with six-lane and four-lane bridges such as the ongoing Dargah-Bidupur bridge and JP Setu, enhancing connectivity between Patna and the new township. The Patna Marine Drive (Loknayak Ganga Path) will further facilitate smooth transit between the city and the satellite town.