In a significant boost to Bihar’s infrastructure and urban growth, Chief Minister Mr. Nitish Kumar on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 28 key development projects worth over Rs. 5,900 crore in Jasauli Kharg, located in the Pachrukhi block of Siwan district. The projects span vital sectors including housing, urban development, water resources, power, and railways.
Addressing a massive public gathering at the event, Mr. Kumar was joined by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, who commended the Chief Minister’s consistent efforts towards the state’s development. “India’s achievements are being appreciated globally, and Bihar has played a substantial role in contributing to this progress,” said PM Modi.
Projects to Benefit Bihar’s Development Landscape
Mr. Kumar outlined that the event marked the commencement or inauguration of 22 city development schemes, 6 road infrastructure projects, and 1 railway initiative, cumulatively valued at Rs. 5,918 crore. Two new trains were also flagged off, and the launch of engine exports was announced. “These 32 schemes will bring widespread benefits to Bihar, and for that, I thank and congratulate the Prime Minister from the bottom of my heart,” said the Chief Minister.
Highlighting NDA’s Development Record
Reflecting on the state’s progress since the NDA government came to power on November 24, 2005, Mr. Kumar recalled the transformation achieved under the alliance between the BJP and JD(U). “The state was in a dismal condition under the previous regime. People couldn’t step out after evening hours due to the law-and-order situation. Today, you all are here in huge numbers, including women, girls and youth — this is the change,” he said.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, citing the provision of 50% reservation in Panchayati Raj institutions and municipal bodies, as well as focused efforts in education, healthcare, and infrastructure under the ‘Saat Nishchay’ programme — connecting households with electricity, drinking water, toilets, and pucca roads.
Siwan, Gopalganj, and Saran See New Projects
Mr. Kumar noted that his recent ‘Pragati Yatra’ helped identify further development needs across the state. As a result, over Rs. 5,000 crore has been sanctioned for 430 new schemes, including several initiatives in Siwan, Gopalganj, and Saran districts. “The Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi has provided enormous support,” he said, referring to allocations made in the July 2024 and February 2025 Union Budgets for sectors like roads, industries, healthcare, tourism, and flood control.
He also thanked the Centre for setting up the Makhana Board, approving the Western Kosi Canal funding, and assigning Bihar the responsibility of hosting the ‘Khelo India Youth Games’, calling it “a moment of great pride.”
Caste Census and Social Justice
The Chief Minister lauded the Centre’s decision to conduct a caste census, calling it a milestone for social justice. “For this, we bow to the Hon’ble Prime Minister and thank him for the far-reaching decision,” he stated.
A Unified Vision for Bihar’s Growth
Mr. Kumar concluded his address by reaffirming the strong Centre-State partnership in Bihar’s development journey. “The state government is committed to ensuring that no district lags behind. The support and initiatives launched by the Centre will further accelerate this progress,” he said.
The event began with a symbolic gesture as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the massive crowd from an open jeep, receiving a warm welcome from the public gathered at the venue.