Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of several development projects worth about Rs 36,000 crore in Purnia in the election state of Bihar. He inaugurated the interim terminal building in the new civil enclave of Purnia Airport, which will increase passenger handling capacity in the area.
He launched the National Makhana Board in Bihar. This board will promote production and development of new technology, strengthening post -crop management, promoting price promotion and processing, and facilitating Makhana markets, exports and brand development, which will benefit the Makhana farmers of Bihar and the country.
About 90% of the total makhana production of the country is in Bihar. Major districts like Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Saharsa, Katihar, Purnia, Supaul, Kishanganj and Araria work as primary centers as they have favorable climate conditions and fertile soil that contributes to better quality of Makhana.
The establishment of Makhana Board in Bihar is expected to promote Makhana production in the state and country and strengthen the presence of Bihar on the global map in this region.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude for the presence of a large number of people. He said, “First of all I apologize to all of you. My program in Kolkata went a little long, and because of this I was late to reach here. Despite this, you guys came to bless us in such a large number. You stopped for so long. You express your gratitude.”
The Prime Minister said that projects worth about Rs 40,000 crore have been unveiled for the development of the state. He said, “These projects related to airport, water and electricity will help in fulfilling the dreams of the people of Seemanchal.” He said that more than 40,000 beneficiaries have got houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. He said, “This is a new beginning for him. I congratulate these families.”
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the 3×800 MW thermal power project at Pirpainti, Bhagalpur. This will be the largest private sector investment in Bihar. It is designed on an ultra-super critical, low emission technology. The project will provide dedicated electricity and strengthen Bihar’s energy security.
He laid the foundation stone for the first phase of the Kosi-Machi Inter-State river joint project costing more than Rs 2680 crore. The project will focus on upgrading the canal, including silt extract, reconstruction of damaged structures and renovation of settlement basin. Also, its water-dominant capacity will be increased from 15,000 cusecs to 20,000 cusecs. This will benefit many districts of Northeast Bihar in irrigation expansion, flood control and agricultural flexibility.
The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of a railway line costing more than Rs 2,170 crore between Bikramshila-Carrea, which will provide direct rail connectivity across the Ganges river. This will provide direct rail connectivity across the Ganges, which will greatly benefit the people of the area.
Prime Minister Modi inaugurated a new railway line costing more than Rs 4,410 crore between Araria-Gughalia (Thakurganj).
He flagged off the train on Araria-Gughalia (Thakurganj) section, which will establish a direct rail connectivity between Araria and Kishanganj districts and there will be a significant improvement in reach in North Eastern Bihar. Like districts will directly benefit.
He flagged off the Amrit Bharat Express trains between Saharsa and Chheharrata (Amritsar) and Jogbani and Erode. These trains will provide modern internal decorations, better facilities and fast travel capabilities, as well as promote economic, cultural and social integration in various fields.
