Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off a series of major development projects worth around Rs 36,000 crore in Purnea, Bihar, on Monday. This comes at a time when the state gears up for assembly elections later this year, boosting infrastructure and local economies in the poll-bound region.
One of the highlights was the inauguration of the Interim Terminal Building at Purnea Airport’s New Civil Enclave. This upgrade will make travel smoother by handling more passengers and improving connectivity in Bihar’s Seemanchal area.
PM Modi also launched the National Makhana Board, a big win for Bihar’s farmers. Bihar produces about 90% of India’s makhana, with key districts like Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Saharsa, Katihar, Purnea, Supaul, Kishanganj, and Araria leading the way thanks to their fertile soil and ideal climate. The board will focus on boosting production, introducing new tech, better post-harvest handling, value addition, processing, and even exports. It aims to put Bihar’s makhana on the global map and support thousands of farmers.
Speaking to a huge crowd in Purnea, PM Modi started with an apology for his delay due to a longer program in Kolkata. “Despite that, you all waited in such large numbers—thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he said warmly. He highlighted how these initiatives, including airport expansions, water projects, and power setups, align with Rs 40,000 crore worth of developments for Bihar. “These will turn the dreams of Seemanchal’s people into reality,” he added.
Modi also celebrated the progress under PM Awas Yojana, noting that over 40,000 families in Bihar now have their own homes. “This is a fresh start for them—congratulations!” he said.
Among the key projects, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for a massive 3×800 MW thermal power plant at Pirpainti in Bhagalpur. Valued at Rs 25,000 crore, it’s Bihar’s largest private sector investment, using ultra-super critical, low-emission technology. It promises reliable power supply and stronger energy security for the state.
He also greenlit Phase 1 of the Kosi-Mechi Intra-State River Link Project, costing over Rs 2,680 crore. This will upgrade canals through desilting, rebuilding damaged parts, and renovating settling basins, while boosting water flow from 15,000 to 20,000 cusecs. Districts in northeastern Bihar will see better irrigation, flood control, and farming resilience as a result.
Rail connectivity got a major push too. PM Modi laid the foundation for the Bikramshila-Katareah rail line, worth Rs 2,170 crore, creating a direct link across the Ganga River and easing travel for locals.
He inaugurated the new Arariya-Galgalia (Thakurganj) rail line, costing over Rs 4,410 crore, and flagged off a train on this route. It connects Araria and Kishanganj districts, opening up northeastern Bihar like never before.
Adding to the excitement, Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express from Jogbani to Danapur, serving districts including Araria, Purnea, Madhepura, Saharsa, Khagaria, Begusarai, Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, and Patna. He also launched Amrit Bharat Express trains from Saharsa to Chheharta (Amritsar) and Jogbani to Erode. These modern trains come with comfy interiors, better amenities, and quicker journeys, fostering stronger ties across regions for business, culture, and daily life.
With Bihar’s assembly polls on the horizon, these projects signal a strong push for growth in infrastructure, agriculture, and connectivity, promising real benefits for the state’s residents.
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