Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bihar on November 13 to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for several major development projects in Darbhanga, with a combined value of around Rs 12,100 crore. This comprehensive initiative is set to boost health infrastructure, enhance road and rail connectivity, promote affordable healthcare, and support clean energy efforts in the state.
Health Infrastructure Boost with AIIMS Darbhanga
A standout feature of PM Modi’s visit is the laying of the foundation for AIIMS Darbhanga, a project worth over Rs 1,260 crore. The new facility will include a super-specialty hospital, an AYUSH block, a medical college, a nursing college, a night shelter, and residential accommodations. This project will significantly improve healthcare access for residents of Bihar and surrounding regions, providing them with specialized medical care.
PM Modi highlighted the importance of this development, stating, “Our government has always stood for the development of the people of the country. We have laid the foundation and inaugurated development works worth Rs 12,000 crores in a single program…”
Improved Connectivity with Key Road and Rail Projects
Connectivity improvements form another critical part of the development package. PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for several National Highway projects valued at approximately Rs 5,070 crore, including:
- Four-lane Galgalia-Araria Section of NH-327E: This route will serve as an alternative corridor connecting Araria on NH-27 to West Bengal.
- Rail Over Bridges (RoBs) on NH-322 and NH-31: These new bridges will reduce traffic congestion and improve transit efficiency.
- Major Bridge on NH-110 at Bandhuganj: This bridge will enhance connectivity between Jehanabad and Bihar Sharif, making travel more efficient.
The Prime Minister also launched eight new National Highway projects, including bypasses and two-lane roads designed to smooth traffic flow and connect key areas more efficiently.
Railway Projects to Enhance Regional Connectivity
PM Modi’s visit also marked the laying of foundation stones for railway projects worth over Rs 1,740 crore, further boosting Bihar’s connectivity. These include:
- Sonenagar Bypass Railway Line: The new line will ease transportation between Chiralapothu and Bagha Bishunpur in Aurangabad district, valued at over Rs 220 crore.
- Gauge Conversion and Doubling Projects: Upgrades, including the Jhanjharpur-Laukaha Bazar rail section and Darbhanga Bypass, will help ease congestion and improve service reliability.
Additionally, PM Modi flagged off MEMU services on the Jhanjharpur-Laukaha Bazar route, offering better access to jobs, education, and healthcare.
Affordable Medicines for Passengers: Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras
PM Modi also inaugurated 18 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras at railway stations nationwide, ensuring that affordable generic medicines are available to passengers. This initiative aims to raise awareness about generic medication and reduce healthcare costs for travelers.
Energy Sector Advancements
In the energy sector, PM Modi laid the foundation for several key projects totaling over Rs 4,020 crore:
- City Gas Distribution (CGD) Network: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited will develop the CGD network in five districts, bringing Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to households and promoting cleaner energy.
- Bitumen Manufacturing Unit at Barauni Refinery: Indian Oil Corporation’s new unit will reduce India’s reliance on imported bitumen and support local infrastructure development.
Through these initiatives, PM Modi’s visit underscores a commitment to regional growth across sectors such as healthcare, connectivity, energy, and affordability, ensuring long-term benefits for Bihar’s residents.
