Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bihar today, November 13, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple major development projects in Darbhanga, valued at around Rs 12,100 crore. This ambitious initiative aims to advance health infrastructure, improve road and rail connectivity, expand access to affordable medicines, and promote clean energy in the state.

Major Boost to Health Infrastructure with New AIIMS in Darbhanga

One of the key highlights of PM Modi’s visit is the foundation stone laying of AIIMS Darbhanga, a project valued at over Rs 1,260 crore. This state-of-the-art facility will house a super-speciality hospital, an AYUSH block, a medical college, a nursing college, and a night shelter, along with residential facilities. This AIIMS will provide tertiary health care to Bihar residents and neighbouring states, strengthening the region’s health infrastructure and access to specialized medical care.

PM Modi said, “Our government has always stood for the development of the people of the country. We have laid the foundation and inaugurated development works worth Rs 12,000 crores in a single program…”

Enhanced Connectivity with New Road and Rail Projects

A significant focus of the development initiatives is on connectivity. PM Modi will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for National Highway projects totalling approximately Rs 5,070 crore. Key road projects include:

  • Four-lane Galgalia-Araria Section of NH-327E: This corridor will provide an alternate route from Araria on the East-West Corridor (NH-27) to West Bengal at Galgalia.
  • Rail Over Bridges (RoBs) on NH-322 and NH-31: These bridges will facilitate smoother transit and ease congestion.
  • Major Bridge on NH-110 at Bandhuganj: Connecting Jehanabad to Bihar Sharif, this bridge will improve travel efficiency in the area.

The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for eight new National Highway projects, including the construction of two-lane roads with paved shoulders along several routes, bypasses for smoother traffic flow, and a four-lane link road from NH-82 to NH-33.

Railway Projects for Better Regional Connectivity

PM Modi’s visit will further see the dedication and foundation laying of railway projects worth over Rs 1,740 crore, aimed at enhancing connectivity across Bihar. These include:

  • Sonenagar Bypass Railway Line: The foundation stone for this railway line from Chiralapothu to Bagha Bishunpur in Aurangabad district, valued at over Rs 220 crore, will be laid to ease transportation bottlenecks.
  • Gauge Conversion and Doubling Projects: Conversions and new line doublings, like the Jhanjharpur-Laukaha Bazar Rail section and Darbhanga Bypass, will ease congestion and improve service reliability.

The Prime Minister will also flag off train services in the Jhanjharpur-Laukaha Bazar section, with MEMU services aimed at providing better access to jobs, education, and healthcare.

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras: Affordable Medicine for Travelers

PM Modi inaugurated 18 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras at various railway stations nationwide, ensuring the availability of affordable generic medicines for passengers. This initiative also aims to raise awareness about generic medications, reducing healthcare costs for travellers.

Petroleum and Natural Gas Sector Initiatives

In the energy sector, PM Modi will lay the foundation for several key initiatives totalling over Rs 4,020 crore:

  • City Gas Distribution (CGD) Network: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited will develop the CGD network in five districts—Darbhanga, Madhubani, Supaul, Sitamarhi, and Sheohar—bringing Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to households and promoting cleaner energy options.
  • Bitumen Manufacturing Unit at Barauni Refinery: The Indian Oil Corporation’s new bitumen unit will support domestic production, reducing reliance on imported bitumen and aiding local infrastructure development.

PM Modi’s upcoming visit to Bihar demonstrates a commitment to fostering regional development across multiple sectors, from healthcare and connectivity to energy and affordable medication, ensuring long-term growth and improved quality of life for Bihar’s residents.

(With agency inputs)