Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Saturday chaired a high-level review meeting at ‘Samvad’ in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat. Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui
By A Correspondent
Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Saturday chaired a high-level review meeting at ‘Samvad’ in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, assessing the functioning of the Information and Public Relations Department, Civil Aviation Department, and Urban Development and Housing Department, while issuing key directives.
The Chief Minister emphasised the need to identify cultural heritage sites at the district level and strengthen systems to provide tourists with simple and accessible information about them. He called for robust branding of Bihar beyond the state and stressed the effective use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for real-time monitoring.
During the review, Information and Public Relations Secretary Anupam Kumar presented a detailed overview of departmental priorities. He stated that various communication platforms—including electronic media, social media, web portals, influencers and digital media—are being utilised to raise awareness about government welfare schemes and positive developments in the state. Efforts are also underway to promote ‘Brand Bihar’, along with art, culture, archaeological sites and other significant heritage assets. AI is being increasingly integrated into communication strategies.
Reiterating his directives, the Chief Minister said Bihar’s achievements must be effectively communicated at the national level so that people better understand the state’s progress. He directed departments to explore wider applications of AI in governance and monitoring, particularly urging the Urban Development and Housing Department and the Panchayati Raj Department to initiate focused work in this area. He also instructed officials to identify government land for advertisements to generate revenue and ensure optimal use of state resources.
Civil Aviation Secretary Nilesh Ramchandra Deore, in his presentation, outlined initiatives aimed at strengthening aviation infrastructure and international connectivity. He highlighted ongoing efforts in airport development, aviation training, disaster management and VIP flight operations. The state government has also introduced an ambitious policy to enhance international connectivity, with steps being taken to launch flights from Patna and Gaya to global destinations.
The Chief Minister noted that concrete steps are being taken towards developing Aerocity projects near major airports, which will include commercial, hospitality, logistics and tourism infrastructure. He directed officials to prepare a comprehensive plan for airport development across all districts, with a strong focus on safety and quality. Under the UDAN scheme, work on airport upgrades, runway expansion and terminal construction is being expedited.
He said these initiatives would improve air connectivity in remote regions and accelerate balanced regional development. The government, he added, remains committed to boosting tourism and investment through enhanced aviation infrastructure and international flight operations.
Urban Development and Housing Principal Secretary Vinay Kumar presented a roadmap for developing 11 satellite/greenfield townships. He stated that adequate space is being reserved for future expansion, while the government will invest in core infrastructure such as roads and drainage. Urban development will be driven by private investment under a master plan grid system, with at least 55 per cent of land being returned to landowners—a model successfully implemented in other parts of the country.
The Chief Minister stressed the need for rapid urban development and long-term planning for city expansion. He directed that urban maps covering sanitation, traffic and expansion be digitised and made accessible to the public. He added that significant development work has already been carried out in the state, including the expansion of amenities in rural areas, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving ease of living.
Senior officials, including Chief Secretary Pratyay Amrit, Development Commissioner Mihir Kumar Singh, and other top bureaucrats, were present at the meeting.
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