Delhi, 22 August (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates Major Infrastructure and Development Projects in Bihar, Signals New Era of Growth and Governance

Gayaji(Patna), August 22(HS): In a landmark event underscoring Bihar’s rapid transformation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated several key infrastructure projects and launched ambitious development initiatives aimed at propelling the state onto the path of sustained progress and prosperity on Friday.

Addressing a large gathering alongside Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, PM Modi reaffirmed the Narendra Modi-led NDA government's commitment to Bihar’s comprehensive development. He recalled the dark days of the “lantern regime,” marked by Maoist terror and lack of basic amenities, contrasting it sharply with today’s surge in infrastructure, industrial growth, and employment opportunities.

Highlighting the inauguration of the newly constructed 8.15 km Aunta-Simaria bridge on National Highway 31, which includes a 1.86 km six-lane bridge over the Ganga river, the Prime Minister noted how this Rs 1,870 crore project will directly connect Mokama in Patna to Begusarai, slashing detours by over 100 km for heavy traffic. This vital artery is expected to ease congestion, accelerate trade, and enhance pilgrimage access to Simaria Dham, the birthplace of poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar.

Further infrastructure gains were marked by the opening of the four-lane Bakhtiyarpur-Mokama stretch of NH-31, worth Rs 1,900 crore, and improvements to the NH-120 corridor, aimed at rural connectivity and economic opportunities for local populations.

PM Modi spotlighted Bihar’s growing industrial landscape, announcing the establishment of the state's largest industrial zone at Dobhi, Gaya district, alongside a new technology center in Gaya. He commended Bihar’s government led by Nitish Kumar for transparent and merit-based recruitment, particularly in education sectors, aligning with nationwide schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana, which incentivizes private sector employment with direct financial support to youth.

Significantly, the Prime Minister inaugurated the 660 MW Buxar Thermal Power Plant, a Rs 6,880 crore investment that promises to bolster Bihar’s energy security and industrial capacity, while easing electricity shortages for households and businesses.

On health infrastructure, the unveiling of the state-of-the-art Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre in Muzaffarpur marked a milestone in accessible cancer care, featuring advanced medical facilities to reduce patient migration to metros.

In keeping with his Swachh Bharat vision, PM Modi inaugurated the Namami Gange sewerage treatment plant and network in Munger, a Rs 520 crore investment aimed at reducing pollution in the Ganga and enhancing sanitation.

Urban infrastructure took a leap forward with foundation stones laid for over Rs 1,260 crore worth of sewage and water supply projects across Aurangabad, Bodhgaya, Jehanabad, and other districts under AMRUT 2.0, promising improved health and living standards.

Boosting rail connectivity, the Prime Minister flagged off the Amrit Bharat Express between Gaya and Delhi, and the Buddhist Circuit Train linking Vaishali and Koderma—initiatives expected to enhance passenger experience and promote religious tourism.

The event also featured the symbolic handover of homes to over 16,000 rural and urban beneficiaries under PMAY-Gramin and PMAY-Urban, fulfilling the aspirations of thousands for dignified housing.

PM Modi sharply criticized previous political regimes for corruption, neglect, and divisive politics, pledging a stringent anti-corruption law applicable to all public officials—including Prime Ministers and Chief Ministers—that mandates bail within 30 days or vacating office.

Addressing security concerns, the Prime Minister announced a new Demography Mission to expel infiltrators from Bihar and urged vigilance against those enabling their presence, framing it as a defense of Bihari rights and jobs.

Closing with a call for unity and alertness among Bihar’s citizens, PM Modi emphasized the collaborative efforts between Central and State governments to maintain the momentum of development and fulfill the dreams of Bihar’s youth and people.

Dignitaries at the event included Union Ministers Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Giriraj Singh, Chirag Paswan, Nityanand Rai, Ram Nath Thakur, Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, and Satish Chandra Dubey.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar