Patna: Farmers whose land is included in Bihar’s ambitious plan to develop 11 greenfield satellite townships will receive back at least 55% of their land in fully developed form, principal secretary of the urban development and housing department Vinay Kumar announced at a press conference at Samvad Bhawan on Monday.
He said the assurance forms the core of the state government’s strategy to build modern, well-planned urban centres while ensuring no farmer is rendered landless. “The initiative goes beyond infrastructure creation and aims to empower landowners, particularly small and marginal farmers, by making them direct beneficiaries and shareholders in the development process,” he said.
Thematic Townships
The 11 townships have been assigned thematic identities to ensure distinct economic focus. These include Patliputra (near Patna, mainly in the Punpun area), Hariharnathpuram (Sonepur), Magadh (Gaya), Mithila (Darbhanga), Koshi (Saharsa), Purnia, Ang (Munger), Vikramshila (Bhagalpur), Tirhut (Muzaffarpur), Saran (Chapra) and Sitapuram (Sitamarhi).
Modelled on cities such as Noida and Gurugram, each township will function as a self-sustaining hub anchored by economic drivers like industrial parks, airports or other theme-based projects.
Land Pooling Model
“The development will primarily follow the land pooling model under the Town Planning Scheme. Landowners will contribute their holdings, after which the government will develop the entire area in an organised manner and return a minimum of 55% of the land to the original owners in fully developed plots,” Kumar said. He added these plots will have roads, electricity, drainage, sewerage systems and other essential amenities.
He said fragmented land parcels will be consolidated into regular plots, improving usability and value while ending the existing “lottery system” where only roadside plots fetch higher prices. Kumar said land will be allocated in a balanced manner for infrastructure, green spaces, housing for economically weaker sections and cost recovery. “This comprehensive planning ensures that every plot in the new townships will have proper connectivity and facilities,” he said.
Land Value Appreciation
Kumar said land values in the proposed areas have already increased seven to eight times in recent years and are expected to rise significantly further after development. He also said that the government is holding consultations with World Bank experts to ensure planned development of the townships.
For landowners unwilling to join the pooling scheme, he said the government has provided an alternative through negotiated purchase at prevailing market rates along with tradable Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) and a share in developed buildings.
Temporary Ban on Transactions
Clarifying the temporary ban on land transactions and construction, Kumar said, “This restriction prevents such exploitation and ensures that the true benefits of appreciation reach the original owners.” The ban will remain till March 31, 2027, and till June 30, 2027, in select townships.
He said draft plans are expected by October or November and the process will be transparent, with landowners consulted at every stage.
