Authority Decision
Town Planning Schemes for Groups 3 & 4 Greenfield Satellite Townships Under Preparation – Bihar Urban Development Department
Work on town planning schemes for six proposed greenfield satellite townships in Bihar has gained momentum, with detailed surveys and land-record verification set to precede the preparation of their master plans. The Urban Development and Housing Department will select a consultancy agency to prepare the township layouts, determine land use and develop the overall town planning framework.
| Townships Covered (Group 3) | Mithila in Darbhanga, Kosi in Saharsa and Tirhut in Muzaffarpur |
|---|---|
| Townships Covered (Group 4) | Purnia in Purnia, Anga in Munger and Hariharnathpuram in Sonepur |
| Authorising Rules | Town planning schemes will be prepared under the Bihar Town Planning Scheme Rules, 2025, and the Bihar Urban Planning and Development Act, 2012 |
| Survey Scope | Cadastral maps showing land ownership and base maps; landowner lists with revenue records, Khata-Khasra numbers and land areas; cross-verification of Jamabandi records against survey data; and recording of property boundaries and existing ownership rights |
| Survey Technology | Topographic survey using modern technologies, including Total Station and drone-based surveys |
| Scheme Outcomes | Town planning schemes will identify proposed use of individual land parcels and lay out roads and areas required for public utilities; assessment of basic amenities need based on projected population growth and provisions for future infrastructure |
| Tender Status | Urban Development Department issued a tender for selecting a consultancy agency in May 2026; a fresh tender has now been issued due to technical reasons |
| Landowner Consultations | Consultancy agency will provide technical support during consultations and meetings with landowners and assist the Urban Development Authority in securing necessary approvals from the state government and other departments |
Decision & Scope
The Urban Development Department is set to select a consultancy agency to prepare town planning schemes, land-use plans and development frameworks for six greenfield satellite townships.
Group 3 comprises Mithila in Darbhanga, Kosi in Saharsa and Tirhut in Muzaffarpur. Group 4 includes Purnia in Purnia, Anga in Munger and Hariharnathpuram in Sonepur.
The town planning schemes will be prepared under the Bihar Town Planning Scheme Rules, 2025, and the Bihar Urban Planning and Development Act, 2012.
Survey Methodology
Detailed surveys will be carried out before the town planning schemes are prepared. The process will include preparation of cadastral maps showing land ownership and base maps of the areas. Lists of landowners will be prepared along with details of revenue records, Khata-Khasra numbers and land areas. Existing Jamabandi records will be cross-verified against survey data.
The entire area will undergo a topographic survey using modern technologies, including Total Station and drone-based surveys. The survey will document existing land use and map national highways, state highways, district roads, approach roads, private roads and pedestrian pathways.
Town Planning Scheme Preparation
The town planning schemes will identify the proposed use of individual land parcels and lay out roads and areas required for public utilities. The department will also assess the need for basic amenities based on projected population growth and make provisions for future infrastructure.
The consultancy agency will provide technical support during consultations and meetings with landowners and assist the Urban Development Authority in securing necessary approvals from the state government and other departments.
Related Authority Decisions & Framework
In April 2026, the Bihar Cabinet approved the Bihar Land Pooling Policy under the Town Planning Scheme (TPS) to facilitate the development of 11 Greenfield Satellite Townships without relying on large-scale compulsory land acquisition.
The land pooling policy in Bihar introduced a farmer-partnership model, under which participating landowners are entitled to receive 55% of the developed land, making them stakeholders in urban development instead of merely compensation recipients.
The state Urban Development and Housing Department has announced that the zonal and master plans for the seven cities in the first group would be notified by 31 March 2027, and similar plans for the second group would be notified by 30 June 2027.
Technical Support Partnership
Bihar has taken a step towards accelerating the development of planned and modern greenfield satellite townships, with the state Urban Development and Housing Department signing an agreement with CEPT Research & Development Foundation (CRDF), Ahmedabad. The agreement will facilitate the establishment of a Technical Support Unit (TSU) to provide technical expertise for urban planning, policy development and spatial development related to the proposed satellite townships.
Frequently asked questions
What are the six townships covered under Groups 3 and 4?
Group 3 comprises Mithila in Darbhanga, Kosi in Saharsa and Tirhut in Muzaffarpur. Group 4 includes Purnia in Purnia, Anga in Munger and Hariharnathpuram in Sonepur.
Under which legal framework will the town planning schemes be prepared?
The town planning schemes will be prepared under the Bihar Town Planning Scheme Rules, 2025, and the Bihar Urban Planning and Development Act, 2012.
What surveys precede the town planning scheme preparation?
Cadastral maps showing land ownership; landowner lists with revenue records; cross-verification of Jamabandi records; topographic surveys using Total Station and drone-based technology; and documentation of existing land use and road networks.
How are landowners to be engaged in this process?
The consultancy agency will provide technical support during consultations and meetings with landowners and assist the Urban Development Authority in securing necessary approvals from the state government and other departments.
What is the land pooling model for these townships?
The land pooling policy introduced a farmer-partnership model, under which participating landowners are entitled to receive 55% of the developed land, making them stakeholders in urban development instead of merely compensation recipients.
When will master plans be notified?
The state Urban Development and Housing Department has announced that the zonal and master plans for the seven cities in the first group would be notified by 31 March 2027, and similar plans for the second group would be notified by 30 June 2027.
Sources
- From Land Records To Drone Surveys: How Bihar Is Planning Its New Satellite Towns
- Bihar's Satellite Townships: Building Self-Sustaining Cities
- Bihar Cabinet Approves 11 Satellite Townships With Land Curbs And Master Plans
- Bihar Moves to Accelerate Greenfield Satellite Townships, Signs Technical Support Pact With CEPT-CRDF
- Bihar Land Pooling Policy Notes for BPSC Mains
- Pataliputra Township Near Patna To Be Bihar's Largest Greenfield Satellite Township
- Bihar Cabinet Clears US$500 Million World Bank Loan For Urban Expansion