Motihari, Bihar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on July 18, launched a series of development initiatives worth over ₹7,200 crore in Bihar. The massive push includes infrastructure, railways, roads, IT, and rural housing.
Key Highlights from the PM’s Visit
- Flagged off four Amrit Bharat trains
- Inaugurated and laid foundation stones for ₹7,200 crore projects
- Released funds to 61,500 self-help groups
- Unveiled new IT and fisheries infrastructure
PM Modi dedicated and laid foundation stones for multiple railway projects aimed at enhancing regional connectivity. These included:
- Automatic signalling on Samastipur-Bachhwara line
- Doubling of rail lines between Darbhanga-Thalwara and Samastipur-Rambhadrapur
- Development of Vande Bharat maintenance depot at Patliputra
- Doubling of Darbhanga-Narkatiaganj line at a cost of ₹4,080 crore
- Upgrade of traction and signalling infrastructure for faster and energy-efficient trains
Four new Amrit Bharat Express trains were flagged off, connecting:
- Patna (Rajendra Nagar Terminal) – New Delhi
- Motihari – Anand Vihar (Delhi)
- Darbhanga – Lucknow (Gomti Nagar)
- Malda Town – Lucknow via Bhagalpur
Road Projects for Seamless Travel
The Prime Minister also focused on modernising Bihar’s road network. Key projects include:
- Ara bypass four-laning on NH-319 to reduce congestion
- Inauguration of the four-lane Parariya–Mohania stretch of NH-319 worth ₹820 crore
- NH-333C Sarwan to Chakai stretch for improved Bihar-Jharkhand connectivity
These roadways are expected to significantly reduce travel time and boost freight movement across the region.
Support for Startups and IT Innovation
To boost Bihar’s digital economy, PM Modi inaugurated a new Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) facility in Darbhanga and a state-of-the-art STPI incubation center in Patna. These hubs aim to support IT/ITES and electronics startups and create new job opportunities in the region.
Empowering Rural and Marginalised Communities
PM Modi handed over griha pravesh keys to several families as part of the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin, benefitting over 12,000 families. He also released over ₹160 crore to 40,000 additional beneficiaries.
Additionally, ₹400 crore was released under the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission, supporting 61,500 self-help groups (SHGs). A special focus was placed on women-led development, as over 10 crore women are now part of SHGs nationwide.
Push for Blue Economy: Fisheries Projects
Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the Prime Minister inaugurated modern fisheries infrastructure. Projects include:
- New fish hatcheries
- Ornamental fish farming units
- Integrated aquaculture projects
- Fish feed mills across Bihar
This is expected to create sustainable livelihood opportunities and improve nutritional security.
‘Naya Bihar’ Vision for a Developed State
- In his public address, PM Modi introduced the slogan ‘Naya Bihar’, highlighting the state’s transformation through connectivity, digital growth, and grassroots empowerment. He accused opposition parties, particularly RJD, of betraying the poor and stalling progress.
“Bihar is rising with new aspirations and infrastructure. The time of neglect is over,” said the Prime Minister.
Conclusion: A Giant Leap for Bihar
The launch of ₹7,200 crore worth of projects marks a defining moment for Bihar. With improved connectivity, housing, and employment, PM Modi’s development blitz sets a strong foundation for the state’s growth. The emphasis on SHGs, rural housing, and digital infrastructure reflects a balanced approach towards inclusive development.