Patna: The third day of the Destination Bihar Expo 2026 at Gandhi Maidan focused on infrastructure and industrial development as state leaders pitched Bihar as an emerging investment destination. The five-day event, which organisers say is the largest industrial exhibition in the state’s history, aims to attract domestic and international investors and showcase industrial opportunities.
The seminar was inaugurated with a lamp-lighting ceremony attended by deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary and industries minister Dilip Jaiswal. Ramlal Khaitan, president of the Bihar Industries Association, described the expo as a step toward integrating infrastructure, energy, education and technology to encourage investment and employment.
Choudhary struck an optimistic tone, saying Bihar had progressed from “walking” between 2005 and 2025 and was now ready “to run”. He emphasised the government’s focus on roads, electricity and women’s empowerment, adding that new degree colleges would be established in every block from July to link education with industry and reduce migration. The deputy chief minister also highlighted plans to promote women entrepreneurs through financial assistance.
Industries minister Jaiswal framed the exhibition as evidence that Bihar was preparing to become a developed state, aligning with the national vision of a developed India by 2047. He said the government intended to support both large industries and small enterprises and noted growing interest from investors in sectors including artificial intelligence.
Energy and finance minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav said Bihar’s industrial sector had historically been neglected but was now advancing due to coordinated state efforts. He cited electricity consumption growth from 700 megawatts in 2005 to 9,000 MW in 2025 as evidence of structural change, urging investors to consider the state’s large consumer market.
Representatives from companies including GAIL India and UltraTech Cement addressed the event, underscoring private sector interest in the region.
Alongside the seminar, organisers staged a yogurt-eating competition sponsored by Ganga Dairy Pvt. Ltd. Twenty participants competed, with Mohan Kumar winning after consuming 2.9kg of yogurt within the allotted time. Other prizes were awarded to participants placing second, third and fourth, while all competitors received consolation awards.
