Patna: Despite not being granted special state status, Bihar has received significant financial support in the Union Budget, as announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her budget speech on Tuesday. The state is set to benefit from a substantial package exceeding Rs. 57,500 crore, earmarked for a variety of development projects.
Key infrastructure projects are at the forefront of this budget allocation. The Union Budget has provisioned for the construction of three major expressways: the Patna-Purnia Expressway, the Buxar-Bhagalpur Expressway, and connections from Bodhgaya to Rajgir, Vaishali, and Darbhanga. These projects alone are valued at Rs. 26,000 crore.
Additionally, a new head office for the Buxar-Kolkata corridor will be established in Gaya. The budget also includes the approval for two new bridges over the Ganges River, enhancing the state’s connectivity and transportation infrastructure.
The Bihar Irrigation Project, aimed at mitigating flood-related disasters, will receive Rs. 11,500 crore. This investment is expected to significantly improve the state’s irrigation systems and flood management capabilities.
Healthcare and education have also received substantial boosts. New medical colleges are set to be established alongside the development of highways and expressways. Nalanda University will undergo further development, reinforcing its status as a prestigious educational institution. Moreover, new airports will be constructed to enhance regional connectivity.
In the energy sector, a new 4,200 MW power plant will be built in Pirpainti with an investment of Rs. 21,000 crore, addressing the state’s growing energy needs.
Tourism in Bihar is poised for a major transformation. Vishnupad Temple in Gaya and Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya will be developed into world-class pilgrimage sites, complete with the creation of the Mahabodhi Corridor. Rajgir will see extensive development, with the Rajgir Sapt Rishi Corridor designed to boost tourism. Furthermore, Nalanda will be rejuvenated, aiming to restore its historical significance and attract more visitors.
