Finance
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone, dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 48,520 crore at Karakat, Bihar today. Addressing the gathering, he mentioned that he had the privilege of accelerating Bihar’s development on this sacred land and highlighted the inauguration and foundation laying of projects over ₹48,000 crore. The Prime Minister acknowledged the large gathering that had come to bless him and expressed his deep gratitude for their affection and love for Bihar, emphasizing that he always holds their support in the highest regard. He extended his sincere appreciation to the mothers and sisters of Bihar.
Remarking on the significance of Sasaram, emphasizing that even its name carries the legacy of Lord Ram, Shri Modi highlighted the deep-rooted traditions of Lord Ram’s lineage, underscoring the principle of unwavering commitment—once a promise is made, it must be fulfilled. He affirmed that this guiding philosophy has now become the policy of New India. Shri Modi recalled the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of many innocent citizens. He noted that just a day after the heinous attack, he had visited Bihar and made a solemn pledge to the nation that the masterminds of terror would face justice, with a punishment beyond their imagination. He stated that today, as he stands in Bihar once again, he has fulfilled that pledge. “Those who sat in Pakistan and destroyed the Sindoor of our sisters, our armed forces turned their hideouts into ruins”, exclaimed Shri Modi. “The power of Sindoor of the daughters of India was seen by Pakistan as well as the world”, he added, asserting that terrorists who once felt secure under the protection of the Pakistani military have been brought to their knees by India’s forces in a single decisive action. Shri Modi underscored that Pakistan’s airbases and military installations were destroyed within minutes, declaring, “This is the new India—an India of immense power and resilience” .
Underlining that Bihar is the land of Veer Kunwar Singh, known for its valiant spirit, the Prime Minister highlighted the contribution of thousands of young men from Bihar who serve in the Indian Armed Forces and the Border Security Force (BSF) to safeguard the nation. He emphasized the extraordinary valor and indomitable courage displayed by the BSF during Operation Sindoor, stating that the world has witnessed their unparalleled bravery. The Prime Minister affirmed that the BSF personnel stationed at India’s borders are an unbreakable shield of security, with their foremost duty being the protection of Mother India. He also paid tribute to BSF Sub-Inspector Shri Imtiaz, who was martyred on May 10 while fulfilling his duty at the border, expressing his deep respect for Bihar’s brave son. PM reiterated his statement from Bihar, underscoring that the power demonstrated by India in Operation Sindoor was merely one arrow from its quiver.
“India’s fight is against every enemy of the nation, whether they operate across the border or within the country”, asserted Shri Modi, highlighting that Bihar has witnessed how violent and disruptive forces have been eliminated over the years. He recalled the past conditions in Sasaram, Kaimur, and surrounding districts, emphasizing how Naxalism had once dominated the region and the fear of masked militants armed with guns was a constant threat to the people. Shri Modi further remarked that while government schemes were announced, they often failed to reach the people in Naxal-affected villages with no hospitals or mobile towers, and schools burned down. Road construction workers were frequently targeted and killed. Shri Modi stated that these elements had no faith in BabaSaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution. He acknowledged that despite these challenging circumstances, Nitish Kumar worked towards development, emphasizing that since 2014, efforts in this direction had accelerated significantly. Shri Modi highlighted that Maoists were brought to justice for their actions, and efforts were made to integrate young people into the mainstream of development. He noted that the results of 11 years of determined efforts are now visible. Before 2014, over 125 districts in India were affected by Naxalism, but today, only 18 districts remain affected, he added. “Our government is not only providing roads but also employment opportunities, that the day is not far when Maoist violence will be completely eradicated, ensuring uninterrupted peace, security, education, and development across villages”, affirmed Shri Modi. He asserted that India’s fight against terrorism has neither stopped nor slowed down, declaring, “if terror raises its head again, India will pull it out from its hiding and crush it decisively”.
Emphasizing that security and peace pave the way for new avenues of development, the Prime Minister highlighted that under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, the departure of the ‘Jungle Raj’ government marked Bihar’s progress on the path of prosperity. He remarked that the days of broken highways, deteriorated railways, and limited flight connectivity are now a thing of the past. Noting that Bihar once had only one airport—Patna—but today, Darbhanga Airport is operational, offering direct flights to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, the Prime Minister acknowledged the longstanding demand of Bihar’s people for the modernization of Patna Airport’s terminal and affirmed that this demand has now been fulfilled. He highlighted that last evening, he had the privilege of inaugurating the new terminal building of Patna Airport, which is now capable of handling one crore passengers. He also stated that ₹1,400 crore is being invested in Bihta Airport.
Highlighting the extensive development of four-lane and six-lane roads across Bihar, Shri Modi emphasized the rapid progress in key infrastructure projects, including highways connecting Patna to Buxar, Gaya to Dobhi, and Patna to Bodh Gaya. He also mentioned the Patna–Ara–Sasaram Greenfield Corridor, where work is advancing at a swift pace. Shri Modi remarked on the construction of new bridges over major rivers such as the Ganga, Son, Gandak, and Kosi, underscoring their role in fostering new opportunities and possibilities for Bihar. He stated that these projects, worth thousands of crores, are creating employment for thousands of young people and boosting both tourism and trade in the region.
Mentioning the transformation of Bihar’s railway infrastructure, Shri Modi highlighted the introduction of world-class Vande Bharat trains in Bihar and the ongoing process of doubling and tripling railway lines. He remarked that work is progressing rapidly in areas such as Chhapra, Muzaffarpur, and Katihar. He further stated that multi-tracking between Son Nagar and Andal is underway, which will significantly improve train movement. Shri Modi also announced that over 100 trains now halt at Sasaram, demonstrating the region’s growing connectivity. He affirmed that while long-standing challenges are being resolved, efforts are also being made to modernize the railway network.
The Prime Minister emphasized that these developments could have been implemented earlier, but those responsible for modernizing Bihar’s railway system exploited recruitment processes for personal gain, depriving the people of their rightful opportunities. He urged the people of Bihar to remain vigilant against deceit and false promises from those who previously ruled under ‘Jungle Raj.’ Underlining that development is incomplete without electricity, stating that industrial progress and ease of life depend on reliable power supply, the Prime Minister noted that Bihar has significantly focused on electricity generation over the past few years. He remarked that electricity consumption in Bihar has increased fourfold compared to a decade ago. The Prime Minister announced that a major NTPC power project is under construction in Nabinagar, with an investment of ₹30,000 crore and this project will provide Bihar with 1,500 megawatts of electricity. He also highlighted the initiation of new thermal power plants in Buxar and Pirpainti.
Underscoring the government’s focus on the future, particularly in advancing Bihar towards green energy, Shri Modi highlighted the construction of a solar park in Kajra as part of the state’s renewable energy initiatives. He remarked that under the PM-KUSUM scheme, farmers are being provided with opportunities to generate income through solar energy, while renewable agriculture feeders are supplying electricity to farms, further improving agricultural productivity. He stated that as a result of these efforts, people’s lives have improved, and women feel safer. Shri Modi emphasised that modern infrastructure brings the greatest benefits to villages, the poor, farmers, and small industries, as they can connect with large national and international markets. He highlighted that new investments in the state create new opportunities and drive economic growth. Recalling the Bihar Business Summit held last year, where a large number of companies came forward to invest in the state, Shri Modi said that industrial growth within the state reduces the need for labor migration, allowing people to find employment closer to home. He noted that improved transportation facilities enable farmers to sell their produce across greater distances, further strengthening the agricultural sector.
Underlining the continuous efforts of the government to increase farmers’ income in Bihar, the Prime Minister stated that more than 75 lakh farmers in Bihar are receiving financial assistance under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. He announced the establishment of the Makhana Board, emphasizing that Bihar’s Makhana has been granted a GI tag, which has significantly benefited Makhana farmers. He further noted that this year’s budget includes the announcement of a National Institute for Food Processing in Bihar. The Prime Minister remarked that just two to three days ago, the Cabinet approved an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 14 crops, including paddy, for the Kharif season, asserting that this decision will ensure better prices for farmers’ produce and lead to higher incomes.
Taking a jibe at the opposition, the Prime Minister remarked that those who have deceived Bihar the most are now using false narratives of social justice to regain power. He highlighted that during their rule, Bihar’s poor and marginalized communities were forced to leave the state in search of a better life. “For decades, Dalits, backward classes, and tribal communities in Bihar lacked even basic sanitation facilities”, stated the Prime Minister, emphasising that these communities were deprived of access to banking, often denied entry into banks, and remained largely homeless, with millions living without proper shelter. He questioned whether the suffering, hardships, and injustice endured by Bihar’s people under past governments were the social justice promised by the opposition parties. He asserted that there could be no greater injustice than this. The Prime Minister remarked that the opposition never truly cared for the struggles of Dalits and backward communities and criticized them for bringing foreign delegations to showcase Bihar’s poverty instead of working towards its development. The Prime Minister stated that now, after Dalits, marginalized groups, and backward communities have distanced themselves from the opposition due to its wrongdoings, the party is attempting to revive its identity by invoking social justice.
Highlighting that under their government, Bihar and the nation have witnessed a new dawn of social justice, Shri Modi emphasized that the government has ensured access to essential services for the poor and is working towards delivering these benefits to 100% of eligible recipients. He stated that four crore new houses have been provided, and three crore women are being empowered through the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative. He further added that over 12 crore households now have tap water connections, improving the quality of life across the country. Shri Modi highlighted that every elderly citizen above 70 years of age is entitled to free medical treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh. He noted that free ration is being provided every month to support those in need. “Our government stands firmly with every poor and underprivileged individual, ensuring their well-being and upliftment”, affirmed Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that no village or eligible family is left out of its welfare initiatives and expressed satisfaction that Bihar has launched the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Samagra Seva Abhiyan with this vision. He highlighted that under this campaign, the government is reaching villages and communities with 22 essential schemes simultaneously and aims to directly benefit Dalits, Mahadalits, backward classes, and the poor. The Prime Minister noted that over 30,000 camps have been organized so far, and lakhs of people have been connected to the campaign. He underscored that when the government reaches beneficiaries directly, discrimination and corruption are eliminated and affirmed it as an approach which is the true embodiment of social justice.
Underlining the vision of transforming Bihar into the Bihar envisioned by Baba Saheb Ambedkar, Karpoori Thakur, Babu Jagjivan Ram, and Jayaprakash Narayan, Shri Modi stated that the ultimate goal is a developed Bihar, contributing to a developed India. He remarked that whenever Bihar has progressed, India has reached new heights globally. He concluded by expressing confidence that together, everyone will accelerate the pace of development and extended his congratulations to the people for these developmental initiatives.
The Governor of Bihar, Shri Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar, Union Ministers Shri Jitan Ram Manji, Shri Giriraj Singh, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Shri Chirag Paswan, Shri Nityanand Rai, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary were present among other dignitaries at the event.
Source: PIB
