PM Modi in Bihar: Prime Minister Launches Multi-Crore Projects, Purnea Airport Inaugurated

In a significant push for development in the state of Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Purnea to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for a wide array of projects totaling over Rs 36,000 crore. The visit marks a key moment for the state, particularly for the Seemanchal and Kosi regions, as it addresses long-standing demands for improved connectivity and economic opportunities.

A major highlight of the day’s events is the inauguration of the newly constructed interim terminal building at Purnea Airport. This development is set to fulfill the decades-long aspiration of the region’s residents for air connectivity. The airport is now Bihar’s fourth commercial airport, and its operationalization is expected to provide a significant boost to trade, tourism, and accessibility, with the first commercial flights scheduled to connect Purnea with major cities like Ahmedabad and Kolkata.

Beyond air travel, the Prime Minister’s visit encompasses a diverse range of sectors. In a move to empower farmers, PM Modi is set to launch the National Makhana Board. Given that Bihar accounts for nearly 90% of the country’s makhana (fox nut) production, this initiative is expected to provide a major fillip to the industry, benefiting thousands of farmers and solidifying the state’s position on the global map for this “superfood.”

Infrastructure development is another cornerstone of the announced projects. The Prime Minister is laying the foundation stone for a major 3×800 MW thermal power project at Pirpainti in Bhagalpur. Valued at over Rs 25,000 crore, this is being hailed as the largest private sector investment in the state’s energy sector. The project, designed with low-emission technology, is aimed at strengthening Bihar’s energy security.

Furthermore, a number of crucial rail projects have been unveiled. These include the foundation stone for the Vikramshila-Katareah rail line, which will provide a direct rail link across the Ganga River, and the inauguration of the new Araria-Galgalia rail line. The Prime Minister is also flagging off new trains, including the Jogbani-Danapur Vande Bharat Express and Amrit Bharat Express trains, promising faster and more efficient travel for commuters across the region.

The focus on rural development and women empowerment is evident in other initiatives. PM Modi is participating in the “Griha Pravesh” (housewarming) ceremony for thousands of beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana. Additionally, community investment funds worth over Rs 500 crore are being distributed to cluster-level federations under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission, aiming to provide a financial boost to women’s self-help groups. The inauguration of a state-of-the-art semen station at Purnea, the first of its kind in Eastern and Northeastern India, is also a significant step towards modernizing the dairy and livestock sector.

The Prime Minister’s visit, coming ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, is being seen as a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to the all-round development of Bihar, reinforcing the “double-engine government” narrative. As PM Modi addresses a large public gathering at a rally in Purnea, the focus remains on the tangible benefits these projects are expected to bring to the lives of the people of Bihar.