In a move aimed at strengthening the administrative framework in newly formed municipal bodies, Bihar’s Urban Development and Housing Department has greenlit the construction of permanent government buildings across 15 local bodies. The initiative targets newly created and longstanding municipal councils lacking dedicated office spaces.

“To accelerate the development of urban areas, the construction of permanent administrative buildings in the new municipal bodies will commence soon,” said Jibesh Kumar, Minister of Urban Development and Housing. He emphasized the need for organized operations to serve growing urban populations better.

The department has issued directives for these municipal offices to shift from temporary spaces—such as community halls, block offices, or rented premises—to permanent structures. This includes older councils like Teghra and Balia in Begusarai and Sheohar, which have operated without designated offices. The newly listed municipalities include Akbarnagar, Pawapuri, Katoria, Shekhopur Sarai, Parbatta, Hasanpura, Itarhi, Kako, Muraul, Ghosi, Chandi, and Saraiya.

Abhay Kumar Singh, department secretary, noted the project’s logistical requirements. “We require 16,000 square feet of land for municipal councils and 10,760 square feet for nagar panchayats,” he said. The estimated cost for constructing buildings in municipal council areas stands at ₹2.49 crore, while those in Nagar panchayats are projected at around ₹4.98 crore.

Municipal bodies must submit land details, site plans, and no-objection certificates from local authorities to proceed. These steps will streamline the process and ensure readiness before construction begins.

This infrastructure push reflects Bihar’s goal of reinforcing urban governance through better planning and space utilization. The state aims to improve service delivery, enhance public engagement, and create more efficient city management systems by investing in purpose-built administrative hubs.