Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Saturday announced a wide-ranging development roadmap for the state, including plans to build nine new airports, upgrade Darbhanga and Purnia airports to international standards, establish industrial corridors and develop new townships along major rivers.
The announcements were made during an event in Patna where projects worth Rs 11,461 crore were inaugurated or had their foundation stones laid. In total, 2,476 schemes were launched as part of the government’s infrastructure and development programme.
Focus on Industrial Growth
Choudhary said the government’s priority is to establish industries across every district to strengthen Bihar’s economy and create employment opportunities for young people.
He announced that a new steel plant, modelled on the Bokaro Steel Plant, will be developed in the Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC) area of Gaya. An electronics park is also planned at Rajapakar in Muzaffarpur.
According to the Chief Minister, the electronics park is expected to attract investments between Rs 20,000 crore and Rs 30,000 crore and generate employment for around one lakh people.
Sugar Mills and Industrial Corridors
The state government also plans to establish 25 new sugar mills over the next five years to support Bihar’s sugarcane sector. The initiative aims to improve market access for farmers while creating additional employment in rural areas.
Choudhary said industrial corridors will be developed along roads being constructed on the banks of the Kosi and Gandak rivers. The government also plans to build new townships along the Ganga, Gandak and Kosi rivers as part of its regional development strategy.
Flood Management Plan
Addressing Bihar’s recurring flood challenges, the Chief Minister said the government will prepare a comprehensive master plan to tackle annual flooding caused by rivers originating in Nepal.
He said future flood-control measures will be implemented based on this plan to reduce damage caused by seasonal floods.
Darbhanga and Purnia Airports to Be Upgraded
The state government announced that Darbhanga Airport will be upgraded to an international airport. According to the announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the upgraded facility in November.
The government also plans to upgrade Purnia Airport to international standards. A project worth Rs 206 crore has already been approved for the airport’s development.
In addition, the government plans to expand Bihar’s aviation network by constructing new airports at Sonepur and Ajgaibinath in Bhagalpur. Airports are also proposed in Birpur, Saharsa, Forbesganj, Kishanganj, Valmikinagar, Muzaffarpur and Gopalganj.
Scholarship for Nalanda University Students
Choudhary announced that students from Bihar studying at Nalanda International University will receive a Chief Minister’s scholarship to encourage higher education among the state’s youth.
Jivika Tower Planned in Patna
The Chief Minister also announced the construction of a Jivika Tower in Patna for women associated with Bihar’s rural livelihood mission.
The proposed facility will provide dedicated space for self-help groups to display and sell their products, with the aim of expanding market access and strengthening women’s economic participation.
