Narendra Modi lays the foundation stone, inaugurates Rs 40,000 crore project in Bihar

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister extended his respectful greetings to all.

He remarked that Purnea is the land of Maa Puran Devi, Bhakt Prahlad, and Maharshi Mehi Baba.

Modi highlighted that this soil has given birth to literary giants like Phanishwarnath Renu and Satinath Bhaduri.

He further noted that it has been the karmabhoomi of dedicated karmayogis like Vinoba Bhave and reiterated his deep reverence for this land.

Announcing the inauguration and foundation laying of development projects worth approximately ₹40,000 crore for Bihar, 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.

Stating that today’s occasion also serves to reassure his homeless brothers and sisters that they too will one day receive a permanent home, the Prime Minister highlighted that over the past 11 years, the government has built and provided more than 4 crore permanent houses to the poor.

He added that the government is now working to construct 3 crore new homes.

Modi affirmed that until every poor citizen receives a permanent house, Modi will neither stop nor pause.

He emphasized that prioritizing the marginalized and serving the poor is the core objective of his governance.

“Our Government is connecting the entire region with modern, high-tech rail services”, exclaimed 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.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the region suffered significant losses due to the misgovernance of previous governments.

He stated that their government is now changing the situation.

The Prime Minister emphasized that this region is now at the center of the development focus.

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 noted that makhana cultivation has been a source of income for Bihar’s farmers, but previous governments neglected both the crop and the farmers.

He asserted that it is the current government that has given makhana the priority it deserves.

“I had promised the people of Bihar the formation of a National Makhana Board. He announced that the Central Government has issued the notification for its establishment just yesterday,” stated the Prime Minister, emphasizing that the Board will work continuously to ensure better prices for makhana farmers and to enhance the use of technology in the sector.

He further highlighted that the government has approved a plan worth nearly ₹475 crore for the development of the makhana sector.