Patna: CM Nitish Kumar has sought to underline his focus on governance and delivery by launching a statewide development tour days after taking the oath of office for a record tenth time.
The chief minister began his Samriddhi Yatra from Bettiah on Friday, announcing and inaugurating projects worth hundreds of crores of rupees in West Champaran. The visit, officials said, marked a shift from political manoeuvring to on-the-ground implementation of government schemes.
CM arrived in Bettiah around 11.30am, accompanied by deputy chief ministers Samrat Choudhary. His convoy first visited the special economic zone at Kumarbagh, where he reviewed industrial activity and inspected exhibition stalls set up by local entrepreneurs and women’s self-help groups.
Later, at Ramna Maidan, the chief minister chaired a review meeting and presided over foundation stone-laying and inauguration ceremonies. According to the state government, foundations were laid for 125 projects worth Rs 153 crore, while 36 projects valued at Rs 29 crore were inaugurated. The schemes span road construction, infrastructure, rural development and industrial expansion.
Officials said the projects were expected to generate employment and improve connectivity in the border district, which has long lagged behind other parts of the state in industrial growth.
The Samriddhi Yatra is being projected as more than a ceremonial outreach. Senior officials said the chief minister is personally reviewing progress reports on schemes announced during earlier tours to ensure they have moved beyond paperwork. West Champaran district magistrate Taranjot Singh said a detailed presentation on previous commitments would be made to CM Nitish during the visit.
Women from Jeevika, the state’s self-help group network, greeted the chief minister at the Kumarbagh industrial complex, where he interacted with members and visited their stalls, drawing applause from the crowd.
Security was stepped up for the visit, with more than 2,000 police personnel deployed and CCTV surveillance in place around key locations, including Kumarbagh and Ramna Maidan.
The focus on Kumarbagh and nearby Chanpatia—both declared industrial areas spanning about 4,000 acres—was seen by officials as a signal that attracting investment and boosting manufacturing remain high on the government’s agenda.
The first phase of the Samriddhi Yatra will run from January 16 to 24, during which he is scheduled to visit nine districts. The state government said similar reviews and announcements would follow in each district as the chief minister begins his new term with an emphasis on development and accountability.
