KKN Gurugram Desk |  Bihar’s urban development is set to gain momentum with the state’s Urban Development and Housing Department deploying 397 junior engineers across various urban bodies, BUDCO, Bihar Housing Board, and Patna Metro Rail Corporation. This strategic move is aimed at expediting the ongoing urban schemes and projects, including significant infrastructure developments. Additionally, the Patna Metro project, which holds considerable importance for the state’s public transport system, has been prioritized with new appointments to enhance the speed of its execution. This article will explore the recent developments in Bihar’s urban planning, the new engineer deployment, and how this move will impact urban projects and citizens’ quality of life.

Deployment of 397 Junior Engineers: A Strategic Move

In a step that signals the state’s commitment to fast-tracking its urban schemes, the Bihar Urban Development and Housing Department has appointed 397 junior engineers to various municipalities and public sector corporations like BUDCO, Bihar Housing Board, and Patna Metro Rail Corporation. These engineers will oversee ongoing urban development projects, ensuring timely and quality implementation.

Out of these engineers, 11 civil engineers have been deployed specifically to assist with Patna Metro development, with an additional 4 electrical engineers and 4 mechanical engineers tasked with accelerating the project’s completion. The Patna Metro Priority Corridor is scheduled to become operational by August 15, 2025, aiming to improve the city’s transport system significantly.

Patna Metro and Urban Infrastructure Projects

The Patna Metro project has been a top priority for the government, and the deployment of engineers is expected to fast-track its progress. The Priority Corridor will help reduce traffic congestion and improve public transportation in the city. According to officials, the Metro project aims to serve a large number of passengers daily, contributing to economic growth and better connectivity within Patna.

In addition to the Patna Metro, the deployment of these engineers will accelerate other significant urban development projects in Bihar, including:

• Samrat Ashok Bhavan (a government office building)

• Administrative Buildings for improved governance

• Jal Jeevan Hariyali Mission (an initiative focused on water conservation and greenery)

These infrastructure developments are crucial for improving the quality of life for urban residents and enhancing basic services such as water supply, drainage systems, road construction, and urban housing.

Improvement in Basic Infrastructure and Services

The Bihar Urban Development and Housing Department has directed these engineers to focus on improving key urban infrastructure. This includes improving drainage systems, water supply networks, and roads. With these engineers on board, the quality of infrastructure in urban areas will significantly improve, ensuring that the citizens of Bihar receive better services. This initiative is part of the state’s broader strategy to develop urban areas in a more sustainable and efficient manner.

The department’s initiative also aims to tackle common urban problems such as flooding, poor sanitation, and insufficient public transportation services, all of which have been persistent challenges in many cities across Bihar.

Appointment Process and Engineer Deployment Details

The Bihar Technical Service Commission was responsible for hiring these junior engineers. According to the official notification, the junior engineers have been deployed in various sectors:

• Electrical: 12 engineers

• Mechanical: 35 engineers

• Civil: 350 engineers

Each of these engineers has been given the responsibility to contribute to various urban development projects across Bihar, ensuring that these projects meet both quality standards and timelines.

Furthermore, the engineers have been instructed to join their respective offices with their educational qualifications and necessary documents within a week. This move ensures the engineers begin their work immediately, making significant progress on the ongoing urban schemes.

Creation of New Positions for Urban Development

Alongside the deployment of engineers, the Urban Development and Housing Department has also focused on enhancing governance by creating new positions to oversee urban planning and development.

The Planning Area Authority (PAA) has been established for the development of all 38 district headquarters cities in Bihar. A total of 1,350 new positions have been created within these Planning Area Authorities, including roles such as:

• Chief Executive Officer

• Executive Engineer

• Municipal Investor

• Statistical Officer

These new roles are designed to streamline urban development planning and ensure the efficient implementation of master plans for the cities. The positions are spread across various district headquarters, with each area having a different number of posts based on its requirements.

For example, in the nine district headquarters under the divisional level, each Planning Authority has been allocated 39 positions, while the remaining 29 districts have 34 positions in their respective Planning Authorities. Patna Metropolitan Area has been allocated additional roles, including nine Assistant City Planning Supervisors and four Deputy City Planning Supervisors.

Master Plan and City Development

The Urban Development and Housing Department is also working on preparing master plans for cities, which will be based on projected population growth over the next 20 years. These plans will detail the usage of land for various purposes, including residential, commercial, and industrial areas, while also focusing on basic infrastructure and road construction.

The plans will aim to promote sustainable urban growth by ensuring that cities are equipped with essential services such as water supply, electricity, waste management, and healthcare. The department’s work on creating township projects in major cities will also contribute to more organized urban development.

Role of Technology in Urban Planning

Technology will play a crucial role in the ongoing urban development efforts. As part of the Bihar Urban Planning and Development Rules, 2014, the state government has decided to hire GIS specialists, IT managers, data entry operators, and multi-tasking staff through designated agencies or the department’s own recruitment channels. The implementation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will aid in accurate urban planning, helping decision-makers monitor urban expansion and manage resources effectively.

Additionally, digital tools and data analytics will be used to optimize infrastructure projects and monitor their progress in real time. This will ensure that projects are completed efficiently and meet the needs of the growing urban population.

Impact of the New Appointments and Urban Planning

The appointment of 397 engineers and the creation of 1,350 new positions are part of a larger strategy to accelerate urban development in Bihar. These initiatives are aimed at providing better infrastructure, improving public services, and ensuring sustainable urban growth in the state. The introduction of Planning Area Authorities and master plans for cities will guide future urban development, ensuring that cities are better prepared to handle the growing demands of their populations.

This initiative will not only improve the quality of life for residents but also create new job opportunities, boost economic growth, and attract private investment into the state. It will also enhance Bihar’s position as a growing urban hub in India, attracting more businesses and improving the state’s overall infrastructure.

Bihar’s urban development initiatives, including the deployment of 397 junior engineers, the creation of new roles in Planning Area Authorities, and the focus on improving infrastructure and services, mark a significant step towards building a better future for the state’s urban population. These efforts will accelerate ongoing projects like Patna Metro, improve living conditions, and bring sustainable urban development to the forefront. With the goal of achieving a well-planned and well-developed urban space, Bihar is on track to become a model for urban growth and management in India.