Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth around Rs 36,000 crore in Purnea, Bihar, on 15 September 2025. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and other senior officials were present during the ceremony.
These projects span infrastructure, energy, railways, irrigation, and housing, promising significant economic growth, enhanced connectivity, and employment opportunities for the region.
Major Projects Boosting Infrastructure and Connectivity
The largest among the projects is a 3×800 MW thermal power plant at Pirpainti, Bhagalpur, valued at Rs 25,000 crore. This is Bihar’s largest private-sector investment, designed with ultra-super critical, low-emission technology aimed at strengthening the state’s energy security.
Modi also inaugurated the newly developed terminal building at Purnea Airport, improving passenger capacity and regional air connectivity, and flagged off the first flight on the Purnea-Kolkata route. Several key rail projects were launched, including the rail line between Bikramshila-Katareah worth Rs 2,170 crore and the Arariya-Galgalia line costing Rs 4,410 crore, improving direct rail links across the Ganga and within northeastern Bihar.
Focus on Water Management, Agriculture, and Rural Development
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for Phase 1 of the Kosi-Mechi Intra-State River Link Project, valued at Rs 2,680 crore. This project focuses on canal upgrades, including desilting and reconstruction, to enhance irrigation, flood control, and agricultural resilience in multiple northeastern Bihar districts.
Modi announced the launch of the National Makhana Board, recognising Bihar’s significant contribution to the nation’s makhana production and aiming to promote technology adoption, value addition, marketing, and exports. The Prime Minister also handed over keys to 40,920 beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana in rural and urban areas and distributed community investment funds worth Rs 500 crore to support rural livelihoods under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Rural Livelihoods Mission.
Political Significance and Promises for Future Growth
In his address, Prime Minister Modi praised Bihar’s growing industrial and manufacturing potential, contrasting it with criticism from opposition parties. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar pledged to create one crore jobs over five years, emphasising industrial development and special government assistance for new industries in the state.
Modi’s visit coincided with his inauguration of the 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference in Kolkata, signalling a broad vision of regional development linked to national interests. The economic and infrastructural push aims to curb unemployment, improve connectivity, and reduce migration by fostering local growth and opportunity.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This extensive development initiative reflects a serious attempt to unlock Bihar’s vast potential by focusing on sustainable infrastructure, energy, and agriculture while addressing social welfare through housing and livelihood schemes.
However, the true measure of success will be how swiftly and transparently these projects are executed and whether their benefits reach the grassroots communities most in need. It is crucial that growth is inclusive, environmentally conscious, and bolstered by effective governance.
