Purnia: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a sweeping package of development projects in Bihar on Monday, unveiling the National Makhana Board, inaugurating Purnia airport’s interim terminal, and laying foundation stones for major power, irrigation, and rail initiatives across the state.
Addressing a gathering in Purnia, PM Modi said the projects, worth nearly Rs 40,000 crore, would mark a historic step in strengthening infrastructure, agriculture, and connectivity in Bihar.
The centrepiece of the announcements was the launch of the National Makhana Board, which will promote production, develop new technology, and expand markets for Bihar’s most famous aquatic crop. Bihar produces nearly 90% of India’s makhana, with key districts including Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Saharsa, Katihar, Purnea, Supaul, Kishanganj, and Araria. PM Modi said the board would help farmers improve incomes and position Bihar on the global map in the sector.
He also inaugurated the interim terminal of Purnia airport, designed to enhance passenger capacity and connect the Seemanchal region to Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, and beyond.
Among the biggest investments was the 3×800 MW thermal power project at Pirpainti, Bhagalpur, Bihar’s largest private sector investment to date at Rs 25,000 crore. Built on ultra-super critical low-emission technology, the project aims to strengthen energy security for the state.
The prime minister also laid the foundation stone of the Kosi-Mechi intra-state river link project worth Rs 2,680 crore. The scheme will increase canal discharge capacity, desilt waterways, and reconstruct damaged structures, benefiting multiple districts with expanded irrigation, flood control, and agricultural resilience.
Rail connectivity was another major focus. Modi inaugurated the new Araria–Galgalia line worth Rs 4,410 crore and laid the foundation of the Bikramshila–Katareah line (Rs 2,170 crore), which will provide a direct link across the Ganga. He flagged off the Jogbani–Danapur Vande Bharat Express, along with Amrit Bharat Express services between Saharsa and Amritsar and between Jogbani and Erode.
In agriculture and livestock, PM Modi inaugurated a sex-sorted semen facility at Purnia, the first in eastern and north-eastern India. With the capacity to produce 500,000 doses annually, it uses indigenously developed technology to improve dairy productivity and support small farmers.
The prime minister also handed over keys to 40,920 beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and distributed community investment funds worth Rs 500 crore to women’s federations under the rural livelihoods mission.
“This package is not just about infrastructure but about giving a new direction to Bihar’s growth story,” PM Modi said, calling the projects “a historic investment in the future of Seemanchal and the state as a whole.”
