Patna: As Bihar gears up for the swearing-in of the new government on November 20 following the 18th Assembly election results, a newly constructed neighborhood featuring bungalows for the state’s 243 MLAs and ministers is capturing attention due to its scale, design, and luxurious amenities. Located in the R-Block area, these government-built residences resemble high-end duplex villas that could otherwise cost at least ₹50,000 a month in rent within the same area. Each bungalow has been constructed at an estimated cost of ₹1 crore and spans 4,300 sq. ft., and they are now nearing completion. A total of 246 units are being developed—243 for MLAs and three transit houses for newly elected representatives who may need temporary accommodation.
Ministers will occupy a separate block of 20-bedroom bungalows in Gardanibagh. The MLA colony is strategically situated behind the Circuit House, opposite the BJP office, and close to the High Court. Bungalow No. 01 is allocated to the Valmiki Nagar constituency, while No. 243 belongs to the MLA from Chakia. Allotment will follow a strict assembly-number system, eliminating previous issues where MLAs requested specific bungalows based on personal preferences, which caused delays and disputes. To ensure compliance, numbers are painted directly on the walls beneath the sign plates, making alterations nearly impossible. Nonetheless, some newly elected officials have already consulted priests to confirm vastu compliance before moving in.
Each duplex is designed to function like a fully serviced residence, equipped with modern furniture, modular kitchens, air-conditioning units, advanced lighting, and landscaped areas. Some bungalows are still undergoing final touches, which may take an additional 25 to 30 days to complete, according to officials. The ground floor layout includes a guest room, office room, personal assistant’s room, dining space, hall, primary kitchen, mini kitchen, two toilets, and one bathroom. The first floor features a master bedroom and two additional bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms and dressing areas, a prayer room, kitchen, balcony, and open terrace, while the second floor includes two small rooms, a small kitchen, a toilet and bathroom, and a terrace equipped with two water tanks.
The residences are outfitted with extensive electrical installations: two split ACs, 17 ceiling fans, 53 LED bulbs, 27 downlighters, seven exhaust fans, 51 wall lights, and necessary fixtures for kitchens and bathrooms. Each house has a three-phase power supply and control panels, with provisions for additional ACs at eight points. Dignitaries will be provided with 2,500 units of free electricity per month. A water treatment plant has been installed to ensure a supply of clean drinking water across the bungalow cluster. Each home has two water tanks—one designated for treated water. A 20,000-litre underground tank will serve all 158 bungalows in the main block, and to avoid waterlogging, a green zone with tree plantations is under development around the colony.
According to Building Construction Department official Chandrashekhar Prasad, plans for a hostel complex at Inspector Rai Path are also underway. This facility will include a basement, a ground floor, and six upper floors containing 83 suites or studio apartments, along with a cafeteria, restaurant, community center, and canteen. Each suite is designed to function as a compact apartment, featuring a separate bedroom, living area, washroom, and mini-kitchen.
The government has standardized the furniture layout with Godrej furnishings throughout the colony: on the ground floor, there will be a three-seater sofa, two single-seater sofas, a diwan bed, a coffee table, a dining table with eight chairs, and a king-size bed in the office room; the first floor will include three king-size beds (one in each bedroom), a family lounge with a 3+1+1 sofa set, a coffee table, a complete modular kitchen with a chimney, and wardrobes in every major room.
The new MLA bungalows represent the state government’s efforts to create a modern and orderly residential area for its elected officials, with 246 bungalows, strict numbering regulations, and a suite complex on the way, positioning the newly developed R-Block neighborhood to become one of Patna’s most well-equipped government housing areas—perfectly timed for the new Assembly’s swearing-in.