PATNA, July 9 -- The state cabinet on Wednesday approved the preparation of detailed project reports (DPRs) for four regional rapid transit system (RRTS) corridors originating from the capital city. The move aims to deliver fast, reliable connectivity between Patna and key urban centres, easing chronic road congestion and laying the groundwork for planned regional development on the lines of the national capital region (NCR). The corridors identified for study are Patna-Gaya Ji, Patna Airport-Begusarai, Patna-Hajipur-Proposed Sonepur Airport-Muzaffarpur and Patna Airport-Arrah. The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has been roped in to prepare the alternative analysis report and DPRs at an estimated cost of Rs.31.59 crore. Briefing journalists after the cabinet meeting chaired by chief minister Samrat Choudhary, additional chief secretary (cabinet) Arvind Kumar Chaudhary said the DPRs would determine project costs and timelines. "This will ensure fast connectivity between the state capital and major adjoining urban centres and help in developing satellite townships," he added. Urban development and housing minister Nitish Mishra described the decision as a milestone. "With rapid urbanisation in Patna and surrounding areas, passenger traffic and economic activities in major regional centres are growing continuously," Mishra said. "Connecting the state's important cities through a high-speed regional public transport system will significantly reduce travel time, ease pressure on roads and give fresh momentum to regional economic development." He emphasised that RRTS is more than a transport project. "It will serve as the foundation for balanced and planned urban development in Bihar. It will encourage the development of satellite townships and facilitate the growth of the Greater Patna Metropolitan Region," the minister noted. The system is expected to offer safe, fast, reliable, environmentally friendly, and efficient last-mile connectivity, benefiting ordinary citizens, students, working professionals, and commercial activities. NCRTC, a joint venture of the Centre and partner states with proven expertise from the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor, will handle the technical work. Altogether 22 proposals, covering multiple sectors, were approved by the state cabinet. In the energy sector, it approved power purchase agreements with RESCO developers for 500 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar power plants on government and government-owned buildings under the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali mission. The agreements will cover 2025-26 to 2029-30, with both discoms purchasing the power. Officials expect this to lower energy bills and reduce reliance on conventional sources. Currently, around 13,000 government buildings generate about 118 MW from solar, with more additions planned soon. In a boost for youth welfare, the cabinet extended the Mukhya Mantri Swayam Sahayata Bhatta Yojana for five more years (2026-27 to 2030-31). The scheme provides financial support to unemployed graduates aged 20-25 who have passed Class 12 and are not pursuing higher studies. Administrative approval for Rs.300 crore has been given for the coming financial year. The cabinet cleared the acquisition of 26.76 acres of land in Danapur's Bhusoula area for AIIMS Patna's expansion at a cost of about Rs.348.89 crore. The land will support a super specialty block, eye centre and associated infrastructure, aiming to deliver advanced tertiary care under one roof. The cabinet also sanctioned Rs.126.25 crore for urgent restoration of the Vikramshila Setu over the Ganga in Bhagalpur, including construction of bailey bridges and repair of the damaged suspended slab. In the industrial sector, Rs.63.39 crore (plus interest) was approved for recovering possession of 266 acres of leased land from Indian Potash Limited at the closed Motipur Sugar Mill in Muzaffarpur. The land will be used under the "Samriddh Udyog-Sashakt Bihar" initiative to set up a new sugar mill, a sugarcane research institute and other industries. Other decisions included creating 76 teaching posts (9 professors, 29 associate professors and 38 assistant professors) for new M.Tech programmes in 10 government engineering colleges, and allocating land at token rates for three new Kendriya Vidyalayas in Madhubani, Munger and Muzaffarpur districts. The cabinet also approved Rs.79.84 crore for the pulses self-reliance mission to boost production and farmers' incomes....