Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone, inaugurated development works worth around Rs 40,000 crore in Purnea, Bihar. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister extended his respectful greetings to all.
Shri Modi highlighted that these projects spanning railways, airports, electricity, and water will serve as a means to fulfill the aspirations of Seemanchal. He stated that over 40,000 beneficiaries have received permanent housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. The Prime Minister remarked that today marks a new beginning in the lives of these 40,000 families. He noted that entering a permanent home before Dhanteras, Diwali, and Chhath Puja is a matter of great fortune. He extended his congratulations and best wishes to all these families.
On the occasion of Engineers’ Day, the nation pays tribute to Sir M. Visvesvaraya, emphasizing the significant role engineers play in building a developed India and a developed Bihar. He extended his congratulations and best wishes to all engineers across the country. Shri Modi highlighted that the dedication and skill of engineers is evident in today’s event as well. He noted that the terminal building of Purnea Airport was constructed in a record time of less than five months. He announced the inauguration of the terminal and flagged off the first commercial flight. “With the launch of the new airport, Purnea has now been placed on the country’s aviation map”, stressed the PM, remarking that this will enable direct connectivity between Purnea and Seemanchal with major cities and key commercial hubs across the nation.
“Our Government is connecting the entire region with modern, high-tech rail services”, exclaimed Shri Modi. He flagged off one Vande Bharat, two Amrit Bharat, and one passenger train today. He announced the inauguration of the new Araria–Galgalia rail line and laid the foundation stone for the Vikramshila–Kataria rail line.
Mentioning that the Government of India has recently taken another major decision by approving the Mokama–Munger section of the Buxar–Bhagalpur high-speed corridor, the PM highlighted that this will greatly benefit industrial hubs such as Munger, Jamalpur, and Bhagalpur. He further announced that the government has also approved the doubling of the Bhagalpur–Dumka–Rampurhat rail line.
Shri Modi remarked that for the development of the nation, the development of Bihar is essential. He further highlighted that for Bihar’s progress, the development of Purnea and the Seemanchal region is crucial. Highlighting that efforts are underway to make Bihar self-reliant in the power sector, the PM remarked that a 2400 MW thermal power project has been inaugurated in Pirpainti, Bhagalpur. He emphasized that their governments at the Union and State are committed to increasing the income of farmers and livestock rearers. Shri Modi also announced the foundation laying of the first phase of the Kosi-Mechi intra-state river link project, which will expand the Eastern Kosi Main Canal. This expansion will facilitate irrigation across lakhs of hectares and help address the challenge of floods.
The Prime Minister announced that a Community Investment Fund of approximately Rs 500 crore has been released for women. He explained that this amount will reach cluster-level federations, which will empower self-help groups across villages. He emphasized that this initiative will provide women with new opportunities to enhance their capabilities and economic strength.
Background
- Prime Minister launched the National Makhana Board in Bihar. The Board will promote production and new technology development, strengthen post-harvest management, promote value addition and processing and facilitate market, export and brand development in Makhana, thereby benefiting the Makhana farmers of Bihar and the country.He further highlighted that the government has approved a plan worth nearly Rs 475 crore for the development of the makhana sector.
- Prime Minister inaugurated the Interim Terminal Building at New Civil Enclave of Purnea Airport which will enhance passenger handling capacity in the region.
- Prime Minister laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects worth around Rs 40,000 crore at Purnea.
- Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of 3×800 MW thermal power project at Pirpainti, Bhagalpur. It will be Bihar’s largest private sector investment worth Rs 25,000 crore. It is designed on ultra-super critical, low-emission technology. The project will provide dedicated power and strengthen Bihar’s energy security.
- Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of Phase 1 of Kosi-Mechi Intra-State River Link Project worth over Rs 2,680 crore. It will focus on upgrading the canal including desilting, reconstruction of damaged structures, and renovation of the settling basin, while also enhancing its discharge capacity from 15,000 to 20,000 cusecs. It will benefit multiple districts in northeastern Bihar with irrigation expansion, flood control, and agricultural resilience.
- In line with his commitment to improve rail connectivity, Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of rail projects and flagged off multiple trains in Bihar.
- Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of Rail Line between Bikramshila – Katareah worth over Rs 2,170 crore, providing direct rail link across the river Ganga. It will provide a direct rail link across the Ganga significantly benefitting people in the region.
- Prime Minister inaugurated the new Rail Line between Arariya – Galgalia (Thakurganj) worth over Rs 4,410 crore.
- Prime Minister also inaugurated the Sex Sorted Semen Facility at Purnea. It is a state-of-the-art semen station under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, capable of producing 5 lakh sex-sorted semen doses annually. The facility, first of its kind in eastern and north-eastern India, uses indigenously developed technology launched in October 2024, aligning with the vision of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- Prime Minister also participated in Griha Pravesh ceremonies being held for 35,000 rural beneficiaries under PMAY (R) and 5,920 urban beneficiaries under PMAY (U) and handed over keys to a few beneficiaries.
- Prime Minister also distributed Community Investment Funds of around Rs 500 crore to Cluster Level Federations under DAY-NRLM in Bihar and handed over cheques to a few CLF Presidents.
