Patna : Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Thursday inaugurated the Rs 140.95 crore Mega Leather, Footwear and Accessories Cluster and Common Facility Centre at the Mahwal Industrial Area in Motipur block of Muzaffarpur district, as the state government outlined plans to attract investment, expand manufacturing and generate employment within Bihar.
During the visit, the chief minister inspected the facilities and exhibition stalls at the cluster. Allocation letters for industrial sheds and land were distributed to industrial units. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was also signed between the Bihar Industries Department and the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI).
Addressing the gathering, Choudhary said the government aims to provide employment within the state to people who migrate elsewhere for wage work before 2030. He said industrial development, investment and infrastructure expansion would be central to strengthening Bihar’s economy.
Bihar Targets Employment For Migrant Workers By 2030
The chief minister said around 12 lakh people from Bihar travel outside the state for wage employment. The government aims to create opportunities for them within Bihar by developing an extensive industrial network and encouraging businesses across sectors.
Choudhary urged industrialists to submit investment proposals, stating that the government would examine them and work towards framing policies for the relevant sectors within 30 days, wherever required.
He said the state had been advancing industrial policies in sectors including semiconductors and renewable energy. The government is also focusing on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), heavy industries and other manufacturing sectors.
The chief minister said the priority was to establish operational factories rather than limit efforts to investment proposals, so that industrial expansion translates into employment for local residents.
1,000 MW Data Centre Target Before 2030
Bihar has set a target of developing 1,000 MW of data centre capacity before 2030, Choudhary said, highlighting the potential of digital infrastructure to attract investment and generate revenue.
He referred to the 12 MW data centre operated by Ctrls in Patna, which has recently been inaugurated and begun operations. He said the state needed to expand beyond this initial capacity to develop a larger data centre ecosystem.
According to the chief minister, achieving the 1,000 MW target could create the potential for investment of around Rs 10 lakh crore. He also said data centres with capacities of 50 MW or 100 MW could generate substantial revenue for the state.
These figures are government targets and projections; actual investment and revenue would depend on project development and implementation.
Choudhary also said the government aims to make around 10,000 MW of electricity available to the industrial sector over the next five years to support manufacturing and industrial growth.
Rapid Rail Proposed Between Muzaffarpur, Patna And Gaya
The Bihar government plans to work on a rapid rail connectivity proposal linking Muzaffarpur with Patna and Patna with Gaya, the chief minister said.
Under the proposed plan, the journey from Muzaffarpur to Patna could take around 30–40 minutes, while Patna to Gaya could take approximately one to one-and-a-half hours. These are proposed journey times, and the project’s implementation details have not been specified in the announcement.
The government is also looking to expand industrial infrastructure beyond Muzaffarpur. Choudhary said an Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC) was being developed in Gaya, while similar clusters were proposed for Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga.
Airport And Dry Port Plans For Muzaffarpur
The chief minister said work on developing an airport in Muzaffarpur had begun, with more than 10% of the work reportedly completed. He also referred to plans for an international airport at Patahi in Muzaffarpur.
The government is exploring facilities similar to a dry port to help local businesses manage packaging, marketing and the transportation of goods to domestic and international markets.
Choudhary said improved air connectivity and logistics infrastructure could help local products reach markets more efficiently and expand export opportunities.
He directed the district administration to ensure that suitable land was made available for industrial projects. The government, he said, would develop available land and allocate it to businesses seeking to establish industrial units.
On land acquisition, the chief minister said a policy had been framed to provide 10% above the prescribed amount when landowners voluntarily offer their land to the government, with the aim of facilitating land availability for industrial projects.
Rs 10 Lakh Assistance For Young Entrepreneurs
Choudhary said the state government was providing financial assistance to encourage young people to establish businesses and become self-employed.
Referring to a recent Industries Department programme at Bapu Sabhagar in Patna, he said around 7,000 people were covered in an initiative to promote entrepreneurship.
Under the scheme described by the chief minister, beneficiaries receive assistance of Rs 10 lakh, comprising Rs 5 lakh as a grant and Rs 5 lakh at a low interest rate. The support is intended to help young entrepreneurs establish businesses and create employment.
He encouraged young people to submit research and startup proposals through relevant platforms, including Bihar Tech, and said the Industries Department would work towards supporting innovations with commercial potential.
Muzaffarpur Emerges As An Industrial Investment Destination
The chief minister described Muzaffarpur as an emerging destination for investment and said the district had attracted interest from entrepreneurs seeking to establish industrial units.
He asked the district administration to ensure that land allocation for industrial projects was handled efficiently. The government would develop available land and make it accessible to investors, he said.
Choudhary said the leather and footwear cluster marked a step towards expanding Bihar’s industrial base. He congratulated the entrepreneurs and institutions associated with the project and said agreements with companies could help increase industrial activity.
He also announced plans to establish an architecture university in Muzaffarpur named after Shaheed Jubba Sahni, saying that improved higher education facilities would create further opportunities for young people in technical and professional fields.
Government Pushes Wider Infrastructure Development
The chief minister said Bihar’s large population made industrial expansion essential for generating employment and meeting economic needs. He called for coordinated efforts by the government, industry and the public to strengthen the state’s economy.
He also referred to improvements in rural roads and electricity access, saying the next phase of development required a stronger focus on industrial infrastructure, logistics and manufacturing.
Choudhary said better road connectivity, airports and transport links could help Muzaffarpur establish a stronger presence on the national and international industrial map.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Industries Minister Shreyasi Singh, Tourism Minister Kedar Prasad Gupta, other ministers and elected representatives, senior government officials, investors and entrepreneurs.
Officials from the Industries Department and the Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (BIADA) were also present.
The state government has positioned the Muzaffarpur cluster as part of its broader industrial development strategy, with manufacturing, digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship and local employment among its stated priorities.
