Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated development projects worth Rs 12,000 crore in Darbhanga, Bihar, spanning sectors such as health, railways, roads, petroleum, and natural gas. The announcement was made via an official press release.
Progress Towards ‘Viksit Bharat’
Speaking at the event, PM Modi remarked, “The state of Bihar, along with the entire country, is witnessing the progress of major developmental targets. We are treading steadfastly towards Viksit Bharat (Developed India).”
A special emphasis was placed on improving connectivity in the region, with new projects in both road and rail sectors.
Highway Projects
The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for national highway projects worth Rs 5,070 crore. Key projects include:
1. New National Highway Developments
Construction of a two-lane road with paved shoulders from Ramnagar to Rosera.
Development of the NH-131A section from Hajipur to Bachhwara via Mahnar and Mohiuddin Nagar.
Sarwan-Chakai section.
Bihar-West Bengal border to Manihari.
2. Bypasses and Bridges
Foundation stones were laid for a four-lane link road connecting NH-82 and NH-33, the Raniganj Bypass on NH-327E, and bypasses in Katoria, Lakhpura, Banka, and Panjwara on NH-333A.
Two Rail Over Bridges (RoBs) on NH-322 and NH-31 were inaugurated.
A major bridge on NH-110 at Bandhuganj, connecting Biharsharif and Jehanabad, was also opened.
Railway Projects
Railway projects worth over Rs 1,740 crore were dedicated to the nation. Highlights include:
1. New and Upgraded Rail Lines
Launch of the Sonenagar Bypass Railway Line in Aurangabad district, connecting Chiralapothu to Bagha Bishunpur, at a cost of over Rs 220 crore.
Gauge conversion of the Jhanjharpur-Laukaha Bazar Rail section.
Doubling of railway lines to enhance regional connectivity.
Launch of the Darbhanga Bypass Railway Line to ease traffic at Darbhanga Junction.
2. New Services
Flagging off of the Jhanjharpur-Laukaha Bazar rail service.
Introduction of MEMU rail services to improve access to employment, education, and healthcare facilities.
3. Healthcare on the Railways
Dedication of 18 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras at various railway stations.
Natural Gas and Petroleum Projects.
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stones for projects worth over Rs 4,020 crore in the natural gas and petroleum sectors. Key initiatives include:
1. City Gas Distribution Network
Development of a City Gas Distribution (CGD) network by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited in five districts: Darbhanga, Madhubani, Supaul, Sitamarhi, and Sheohar.
2. Bitumen Manufacturing Facility
Establishment of a bitumen manufacturing facility at the Indian Oil Corporation Limited’s Barauni Refinery to reduce dependency on imports.
Health infrastructure
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for AIIMS Darbhanga, a Rs 1,260 crore project set to significantly improve the region’s healthcare infrastructure. The facility will include:
A medical college.
A nursing college.
A super-specialty hospital/AYUSH block.
Night shelters and residential facilities.
This AIIMS will provide tertiary healthcare to residents of Bihar and neighboring areas.
These projects underscore the government’s commitment to boosting infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, and improving healthcare facilities in Bihar.