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Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a significant infrastructure development initiative in Bihar, inaugurating and laying foundation stones for projects worth over Rs 12,000 crore during an event in Darbhanga. The projects encompass a wide range of sectors, reflecting the government's commitment to improving the state's infrastructure, healthcare, transportation, and energy capabilities.
A key highlight of the event was the foundation stone laying ceremony for AIIMS-Darbhanga, a prestigious medical institute to be constructed at a cost exceeding Rs 1,260 crore. The institute is envisioned as a comprehensive healthcare hub, featuring a superspecialty hospital, an Ayush block, medical and nursing colleges, as well as night shelter and residential facilities. AIIMS-Darbhanga is expected to provide tertiary healthcare services to the people of Bihar and neighboring regions, significantly enhancing access to advanced medical care.
The PM also focused on bolstering the state's transportation network by inaugurating and laying foundation stones for numerous National Highway (NH) projects, totaling approximately Rs 5,070 crore. The inauguration of the four-lane Galgalia (West Bengal)-Araria section of NH-327E provides an alternative route on the East-West Corridor (NH-27) to the neighboring state. Additionally, the foundation stones were laid for eight other NH projects, including the construction of two-lane roads with paved shoulders, bypasses, and a four-lane link road connecting NH-82 to NH-33. The projects aim to improve connectivity within the state and enhance inter-state trade.
Further strengthening the transportation infrastructure, Modi dedicated to the nation and laid foundation stones for railway projects worth over Rs 1,740 crore. These initiatives include the gauge conversion of the Jhanjharpur-Laukaha Bazar Rail section, the Darbhanga bypass railway line to alleviate congestion at Darbhanga Junction, and track doubling projects. The foundation stone was also laid for the Sonenagar bypass railway line from Chiralapothu to Bagha Bishunpur in Aurangabad district, a project estimated to cost over Rs 220 crore. The railway projects will improve freight and passenger movement, contributing to economic growth and ease of travel within the state.
To promote clean energy and enhance access to natural gas, Modi laid the foundation stones of multiple initiatives in the petroleum and natural gas sector, valued at over Rs 4,020 crore. The City Gas Distribution (CGD) network in five districts — Darbhanga, Madhubani, Supaul, Sitamarhi, and Sheohar — is being developed by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, bringing piped natural gas to households and commercial and industrial sectors. The foundation stone was also laid for a bitumen manufacturing unit at the Barauni Refinery of Indian Oil Corporation Limited, a step towards reducing reliance on imports and bolstering the domestic manufacturing sector.
The event concluded with the dedication to the nation of 18 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras at various railway stations across India. These centers aim to ensure the availability of affordable medicines at railway stations, promoting awareness and acceptance of generic medicines and reducing healthcare expenses for passengers.
Source: PM Modi Unveils Over Rs 12,000 Crore Infrastructure Projects in Bihar