Patna: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 92 development projects worth Rs 485 crore in Purnia district during the government’s Samriddhi Yatra, while directing officials to expedite ongoing works across the region.
The chief minister began his visit by inspecting the beautification and development works at the Maa Purna Devi Temple complex in Purnia. He inaugurated a newly constructed two-lane road connecting State Highway-60 to the temple and the strengthening of the road from Line Bazaar Chowk through Polytechnic Chowk to Rajni Chowk via remote control.
He also laid the foundation stone for several key infrastructure projects, including the construction of a bypass road with a railway overbridge from Bhootha Mod to Millia Polytechnic College via Purnia Srinagar Path. Another project includes the widening and strengthening of the road from State Highway-65 at Banbhaag Chowk to Bishanpur Dharmkanta with a two-lane paved shoulder.
During the visit, the chief minister reviewed the renovation and beautification of a pond within the temple premises under the Jal‑Jeevan‑Hariyali Abhiyan. Local artists welcomed him with a traditional Jhijhiya dance performance, and he later visited a stall set up by Bihar Bal Bhavan Kilkari in the temple complex.
Officials briefed CM on several projects announced earlier during the government’s Pragati Yatra. These include the construction of a dam and road on the Karikoshi river in Katra block, an interstate bus terminal, a sports complex at Rangbhoomi Maidan in Purnia, and the proposed four-laning of State Highway-65 from Dhamdaha to Purnia with a direct connection to the airport. Other plans include the Bhootha bypass road, a link road from State Highway-65 to the Kajhakothi complex, tourism infrastructure along the lines of Mithila Haat, and the construction of new block and zonal office buildings in several administrative areas across the district.
While reviewing the works, he instructed officials to prioritise the beautification of the Maa Purna Devi Temple complex and ensure that facilities for visiting devotees are improved. He also emphasised that all projects must be completed within the stipulated timeframe to maximise benefits for residents.
Later, the chief minister inspected the newly constructed district-level offices and resource and training centre of the state’s Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources Department. During the visit, he interacted with livestock farmers who credited government initiatives for increasing the production of maize, makhana and fish in the region.
He said the state government was implementing several schemes to promote agriculture and animal husbandry and improve the economic condition of farmers and livestock rearers.
The chief minister also reviewed departmental stalls and distributed welfare benefits to beneficiaries. These included Bihar Student Credit Cards, Ayushman health cards, token cheques under the Mukhyamantri Kanya Utthan Yojana, battery-operated tricycles for persons with disabilities, and a token cheque of Rs 261.65 crore for 13,082 Jeevika self-help groups under financial inclusion initiatives.
Of the 92 projects announced for Purnia district, 84 schemes worth Rs 164 crore were inaugurated, while the foundation stones for eight projects worth Rs 321 crore were laid.
Deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary, minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, minister Leshi Singh and minister Shrawon Kumar were among the senior leaders present during the programme, along with local legislators and senior administrative officials.
