In partnership with RERA Bihar and UNICEF, the Bihar Urban Symposium 2025 was held on September 11, 2025, at the Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP). There, policymakers, administrators, and thought leaders discussed the state and future of Bihar’s urban landscape. Prof. (Dr.) Rana Singh, Director of CIMP, gave the welcome address to kick off the session, emphasising the institute’s dedication to promoting discourse on inclusive and sustainable urban development.

In his presidential address, Tokhan Sahu, Minister of State, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, discussed Bihar’s rich cultural legacy and history, mentioning Mithila paintings as a mark of pride and tradition. By finding a balance between tradition and contemporary advancement, he highlighted Bihar’s potential to become a centre of education, culture, and independence. His concept for more resilient and greener communities focused on infrastructure, education, and sustainable urban development. Tokhan Sahu also participated in a policy discussion with CIMP students after the first session, providing in-depth explanations of government programs.

The Swachh Bihar Mission’s main initiatives were described by Jibesh Kumar, Minister of the Government of Bihar’s Urban Development and Housing Department. In order to enhance public amenities and urban mobility, he announced plans to create priority corridors, install “Pink Toilets” for women, and produce electricity from plastic garbage.

In his keynote address, Durga Shankar Mishra, IAS, former secretary of the Indian government’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and former chief secretary of Uttar Pradesh, emphasised the importance of green finance, public-private partnerships, and innovative financing methods in tackling the problems posed by the country’s rapid urbanisation.

Dr. S. Siddharth, IAS, Development Commissioner, Bihar, emphasised throughout the talks that better regulatory frameworks and their efficient application may change urban environments. He pointed out that the Patna Metro Project, which is anticipated to be finished this month, will mark a significant advancement in the modernisation of urban transport and the alleviation of traffic. He also underlined initiatives to improve citizens’ quality of life.