Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the 8.15 km Aunta–Simaria bridge project on NH-31, featuring a 1.86 km six-lane bridge over the river Ganga, built at a cost of over ₹1,870 crore. Constructed alongside the nearly seven-decade-old Rajendra Setu, the bridge provides direct connectivity between Mokama in Patna district and Begusarai, reducing travel distance for heavy vehicles by up to 100 km.
Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister said, “This bridge not only eases transport but also enhances access to Simaria Dham, the revered pilgrimage site and birthplace of poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, linking communities and fostering economic and cultural growth.”
Bihar’s economy has expanded 3.5 times since 2011–12, with Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) reaching ₹8.54 lakh crore in 2023–24. Over the past decade, government initiatives have ensured access to roads, electricity, and tap water in every village, while programs focusing on affordable housing, sanitation, clean drinking water, healthcare, and food security have improved quality of life.
Financial assistance from the Central government increased from ₹2.8 lakh crore in 2004–14 to ₹9.23 lakh crore in 2014–24, enabling large-scale development projects across sectors. Recently, the Prime Minister laid foundation stones and inaugurated works worth over ₹7,000 crore in Motihari, further accelerating Bihar’s growth trajectory.
Infrastructure Development: Roads and Bridges
Bihar has seen massive investments in roads, railways, bridges, and aviation. Projects worth ₹4 lakh crore have been allocated for roads and bridges, ₹1 lakh crore for railway infrastructure, and ₹2,000 crore for aviation projects.
The state has enhanced road connectivity with nearly 90% of National Highways now double-lane or wider. Notable projects include the four-lane Bakhtiyarpur–Mokama section of NH-31 and the four-lane Parariya to Mohania section of NH-319, easing congestion and improving freight and passenger movement.
The Greenfield Patna–Arrah–Sasaram Corridor (NH-119A), estimated at ₹3,712 crore, will integrate with major national highways, airports, railway stations, and the Patna Inland Water Terminal, generating approximately 48 lakh person-days of employment. Other projects, including NH-22, NH-319B, NH-119D, and a new Ganga bridge between Buxar and Bharauli, reflect Bihar’s strong commitment to next-generation infrastructure.
Railway Modernisation and Expansion
Bihar’s railways have grown significantly, with 172.6 km of new tracks commissioned annually between 2014–25, more than double the previous period. In 2023–24 alone, 361 km of new railway tracks were commissioned. The state has seen 115 new trains introduced and over 300 pairs of trains with additional stoppages.
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 98 stations in Bihar are being redeveloped to modern standards with improved amenities, free Wi-Fi, accessibility features, and integration with city infrastructure. Premium services such as the Amrit Bharat Express (Gaya–Delhi) and Buddhist Circuit Train (Vaishali–Koderma) are boosting tourism and convenience. Twenty Vande Bharat Express services and two Namo Bharat Rapid Rail services now operate in Bihar, improving high-speed connectivity.
Air and Power Infrastructure
Patna Airport now handles 3 crore passengers annually, with a new terminal for 10 million passengers. Darbhanga Airport provides direct connectivity to major cities, while Bihta Airport is under construction with a ₹1,400 crore investment.
In the power sector, the Buxar Thermal Power Plant (660 MW) was inaugurated, boosting energy security. The Nabinagar Super Thermal Power Project Stage-II (3×800 MW) and renewable energy initiatives such as the Kajra solar park and PM-KUSUM program are enhancing sustainable power access in the state.
Inclusive Growth and Welfare Schemes
Over 4 crore houses have been built under PM Awas Yojana nationwide, including 60 lakh in Bihar. Around 3 lakh families in Motihari received pucca houses recently, reflecting effective implementation of welfare programs.
The Union Budget 2025–26 has further supported Bihar through initiatives like the Makhana Board, National Institute of Food Technology, and expansion of IIT Patna. Purvodaya, Gaya Industrial Node, and development of Rajgir, Nalanda, and Gaya’s religious and cultural corridors are part of the state’s holistic growth strategy.