Cabinet meet: Major push to tourism, traffic infra, urbanisation
Cabinet meet: Major push to tourism, traffic infra, urbanisation
Cabinet meet – The Bihar state cabinet has endorsed the Heli-Tourism and Air Tourism Service Scheme 2026, which aims to connect major tourist spots via helicopter and small aircraft services to streamline travel experiences. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the state’s tourism appeal.
Heli-Tourism Initiative
“The heli-tourism project will revitalize heritage and religious sites by significantly reducing travel times,” stated Additional Chief Secretary (Cabinet) Arvind Kumar Chaudhary. He emphasized the plan’s focus on creating a modern, accessible tourism framework.
The initial phase of the scheme, set to run from July 15 to January 15 next year, will cover Valmikinagar in West Champaran, Maa Mundeshwari Temple in Kaimur, and Rajgir in Nalanda. Government aircraft will operate Valmikinagar routes, while eight-seater choppers will be deployed for the other two locations. Weekend helicopter tours from Patna will start at ₹2,100 per person.
Revitalising Tourism Infrastructure
The cabinet also approved the transformation of 217 water resources department inspection buildings—situated near dams, barrages, and reservoirs—into guest houses and eco-tourism hubs. These developments will be managed through public-private partnerships or alternative models, offering investors 30-year land leases. Additionally, 58 neglected structures will be restored to improve tourist facilities.
Intelligent Traffic Management
As part of its efforts to boost road safety, the government plans to implement an intelligent traffic system at 500 strategic locations. This will facilitate electronic enforcement and automatic fines for traffic violations. A budget of ₹622 crore has been allocated from the Bihar security fund for this ten-year initiative.
Urban Development Measures
The cabinet streamlined land acquisition and sale rules for 11 new satellite townships. Landowners within these zones will receive double the market rate for urban plots and quadruple for rural ones, along with a 10% additional incentive. The state housing board is authorised to directly purchase land to meet immediate financial demands. Private investors, approved by the state investment promotion board, will also be permitted to acquire or lease land directly.
Proposed Townships
The designated townships include Pataliputra, Hariharnathpur, Magadh, Mithila, Koshi, Purnia, Ang, Sitapuram, Vikramshila, Tirhut, and Saran. These projects aim to accelerate urban growth and infrastructure development.
Mining Sector Study
A funding allocation of ₹2.32 crore has been approved for a comprehensive study on red sand availability in five rivers—Son, Kiul, Falgu, Morhar, and Chanan—following the monsoon season. The Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL), based in Ranchi, will conduct the survey. The Bihar state mining corporation will handle pre-eauction processes, including mining plans and environmental clearances for stone quarries.
Youth Employment Support
To address youth employment, the cabinet relaxed recruitment criteria for stenographers in the civil defence directorate. The minimum age for direct appointments has been lowered to 18 years, and the probation period reduced to one year. Rules for direct hiring of exceptional sportspersons were also revised.
Other Decisions
Additional measures include the free transfer of 50 acres of government land in Gaya Ji district for establishing a CISF reserved battalion. These decisions underscore the government’s commitment to diversified development across sectors.
Subhash Pathak, a special correspondent with Hindustan Times, has over 15 years of experience covering governance, legislature, police, Maoism, and infrastructure developments in Bihar and Jharkhand.