Purnea: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a massive gathering in Purnea on Monday evening, launched and inaugurated development projects worth approximately ₹40,000 crore aimed at transforming infrastructure and living standards across Bihar, with a special focus on the Seemanchal region.
The projects span railways, airports, electricity, and water management, alongside housing under the PM Awas Yojana. Over 40,000 families received permanent homes under the scheme, a milestone the Prime Minister described as “a blessing” ahead of Dhanteras, Diwali, and Chhath.
“Modi’s guarantee is that no poor family will remain without a pucca house,” he declared, noting that his government has already provided over four crore permanent homes in the last 11 years and is now targeting an additional three crore.
Aviation and Rail Connectivity Boost
One of the key highlights was the inauguration of Purnea Airport’s new terminal building, completed in a record time of under five months. The first commercial flight was flagged off during the ceremony, placing Purnea firmly on India’s aviation map with direct connectivity to major cities.
The Prime Minister also flagged off Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat, and passenger trains, inaugurated the Araria–Galgalia rail line, and laid the foundation for the Vikramshila–Kataria line. In addition, the government has approved the Mokama–Munger section of the Buxar–Bhagalpur high-speed corridor and the doubling of the Bhagalpur–Dumka–Rampurhat line, all expected to significantly strengthen the state’s industrial and passenger transport backbone.
Power, Irrigation, and Farmers’ Welfare
A 2,400 MW thermal power project at Pirpainti in Bhagalpur was launched to push Bihar towards energy self-reliance. In parallel, the Kosi–Mechi intra-state river linking project will expand irrigation, protect farmland, and mitigate floods in the region.
Makhana cultivation, long overlooked, was given centre stage with the recent notification establishing a National Makhana Board. Backed by a ₹450 crore scheme, the board will focus on securing fair prices for farmers and introducing modern technology in the sector.
Social Empowerment and Women-Led Progress
PM Modi highlighted the transformative role of women’s self-help groups (SHGs), noting Bihar’s pioneering ‘Jeevika Didi’ movement. “From being victims during the RJD era to becoming ‘Lakhpati Didis’ and even ‘Drone Didis’, Bihar’s women are leading a revolution,” he remarked.
On Monday, the government released ₹500 crore under the Community Investment Fund to strengthen SHGs at the grassroots level.
Political Barbs and Demography Concerns
In his address, the Prime Minister criticised the Congress and RJD for what he described as “decades of misrule and betrayal.” He accused them of undermining Bihar’s development and being “unable to digest” the state’s recent progress, citing achievements such as Rajgir hosting the Hockey Asia Cup, exports of Bihar-made locomotives to Africa, and major infrastructure projects like the Aunta–Simaria bridge.
PM Modi also raised concerns over illegal infiltration, particularly in Seemanchal and eastern India. He reiterated his government’s commitment under the “Demography Mission” to curb infiltration, asserting: “Every single infiltrator will have to leave. Bharat’s law will prevail, not the whims of infiltrators. This is Modi’s guarantee.”
Relief for Households Ahead of Festivals
The Prime Minister also announced a nationwide reduction in GST on essential commodities effective from 22 September, the first day of Navratri. Items ranging from toiletries and food essentials to stationery, clothing, and footwear will see significant price cuts.
“This will reduce household expenses, especially benefiting women managing kitchens and families during the festive season,” he said.
PM Modi concluded by lauding Bihar’s historical and contemporary contributions to nation-building, from the freedom struggle to Operation Sindoor. He praised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s leadership under the NDA’s “double-engine government” model and called for sustained momentum in Bihar’s development journey.
“Be it defence or development, Bihar has always played a major role in Bharat’s progress,” he said, before leading the crowd in chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai.”