Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth around ₹40,000 crore in Bihar’s Purnea, covering sectors such as railways, airports, power and irrigation.
Addressing a public gathering, the Prime Minister said the projects would boost connectivity and infrastructure in Seemanchal, a region he described as central to Bihar’s progress. He noted that more than 40,000 families had received permanent housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, calling it a “new beginning” ahead of the festive season.
Marking Engineers’ Day, PM Modi also inaugurated the newly built terminal of Purnea Airport, completed in less than five months, and flagged off its first commercial flight. “With this launch, Purnea has been placed on the aviation map of India,” he said.
In the railways sector, he flagged off one Vande Bharat, two Amrit Bharat and one passenger train, and inaugurated the Araria–Galgalia line while laying the foundation for the Vikramshila–Kataria line. He further announced approval for doubling the Bhagalpur–Dumka–Rampurhat rail line and the Mokama–Munger section of the Buxar–Bhagalpur high-speed corridor.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated a 2,400 MW thermal power project at Pirpainti in Bhagalpur and laid the foundation of the Kosi–Mechi intra-state river link project to expand irrigation and tackle recurring floods. He highlighted the government’s focus on Bihar’s makhana farmers, noting the establishment of the National Makhana Board and the approval of a ₹475 crore plan for the sector.
PM Modi said that development in Bihar was unsettling for those who “betrayed the state in the past,” and criticised opposition parties for corruption and neglect. He contrasted this with welfare schemes such as free ration, Ayushman Bharat health coverage, and housing initiatives that he said directly benefit the poor.
The Prime Minister also touched on security concerns, warning against illegal infiltration in Seemanchal and Eastern India. “Every infiltrator will be removed—this is my guarantee,” he said, criticising opposition parties for what he described as vote-bank politics.
He credited Bihar’s women with driving political change in the state over the past two decades and announced the release of a ₹500 crore Community Investment Fund to support self-help groups. He also said that from September 22, GST on daily-use items including soaps, shampoos, food products and stationery would be reduced, easing household expenses ahead of the festive season.