Aurangabad: Bihar’s chief minister, Nitish Kumar, on Tuesday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 195 development projects worth more than Rs 554 crore in Aurangabad district as part of his Pragati Yatra. The projects include 79 completed schemes costing Rs 127.43 crore and the foundation stone laying of 116 new schemes worth Rs 428.76 crore.
During his visit, CM Nitish inaugurated a new panchayat government building in Bedhni, Dev block, inspecting its facilities, including a library, mukhiya room, and offices for revenue and panchayat secretaries. He also toured a Mahadalit Tola, reviewing projects such as paved streets, the Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal scheme, a housing initiative, the Chief Minister Solar Street Light Scheme, and a community building.
The chief minister offered prayers at the Surya Mandir in Dev and inspected land earmarked for a proposed ring road and a new medical college in Aurangabad. Officials briefed him on plans to improve road connectivity, including a bypass linking Surya Kund to Dev. The CM instructed authorities to complete a radial road before Chhath Puja, aiming to facilitate the movement of devotees.
CM Nitish also assessed the ongoing redevelopment of Surya Kund and Rudra Kund by the tourism department. Praising the restoration of Rudra Kund, he directed officials to deepen Surya Kund to ensure a continuous water supply and to enhance its surroundings for pilgrims and Chhath Puja devotees.
The chief minister inaugurated a nine-storey model hospital in Aurangabad Sadar Hospital premises, urging officials to expedite the installation of lifts for patient accessibility. He later reviewed plans for a riverfront along the Adari river, a tributary of the Punpun, which runs through Aurangabad city. The scheme includes developing a 1,500-metre stretch with open gyms, parks, tree plantations, and improved drainage to prevent pollution.
CM Nitish also inaugurated Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Residential School in Kushi, inspecting its facilities and interacting with students. Encouraging them to focus on their studies, he emphasised the government’s commitment to quality education. He visited stalls set up by Jeevika self-help groups and various departments, distributing symbolic cheques and Ayushman cards to beneficiaries.
Addressing the gathering, CM Nitish highlighted his government’s efforts in infrastructure, education, and urban development, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to Bihar’s progress.
