Madhubani: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 24 April launched a series of infrastructure and welfare projects in Bihar, cumulatively valued at around Rs 13,500 crore.
The initiatives, which span transportation, energy and rural development, were unveiled during an event marking National Panchayati Raj Day in Madhubani.
New Trains Aimed at Improving Regional Connectivity
Four new train services were flagged off, including the Amrit Bharat Express between Saharsa and Mumbai, the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail between Jaynagar and Patna, and two additional services connecting Pipra-Saharsa and Saharsa-Samastipur. These services are aimed at enhancing inter-state and intra-state rail connectivity, particularly linking smaller towns with economic centres.
Additionally, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Supaul-Pipra and Hasanpur-Bithan rail lines, and two-lane rail overbridges at Chapra and Bagaha. The Khagaria-Alauli rail line was also dedicated to the nation, expected to improve freight movement and access in North Bihar.
Power Sector Sees New Investment
Under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), projects worth over Rs 5,030 crore were inaugurated and foundation stones laid for schemes worth Rs 1,170 crore. These efforts aim to improve electricity distribution and reduce aggregate technical and commercial losses in the state, aligning with national energy reforms.
LPG Bottling Plant to Support Supply Chain Efficiency
A new LPG bottling plant with a rail-unloading facility is set to be constructed in Hathua (Gopalganj district) at an estimated cost of Rs 340 crore. This project is aimed at strengthening the LPG distribution network in the region and easing logistical bottlenecks.
Welfare Disbursements Across Housing and Livelihood Sectors
The Prime Minister also disbursed around Rs 930 crore under the Community Investment Fund to more than 2 lakh Self Help Groups (SHGs) in Bihar, under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
In the housing sector, sanction letters for 15 lakh new beneficiaries under PMAY-Gramin were issued, and instalments were released to 10 lakh PMAY-G beneficiaries across India. The event also included the symbolic Grih Pravesh (house warming) for 1 lakh PMAY-G and 54,000 PMAY-Urban homes in Bihar.
