Patna: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the defence airport in Purnea on Saturday for a short transit visit while travelling to West Bengal, a stopover that state leaders described as significant for the Seemanchal region.
The prime minister was received by Bihar’s industries and road construction minister, Dilip Jaiswal, who said the two held discussions at the airport on accelerating development in Seemanchal, a region long considered economically underdeveloped despite its resources.
According to Jaiswal, the conversation focused on the scope for industrial growth, new investment opportunities and the need to strengthen infrastructure. Issues such as expansion of the road network and improving regional connectivity were also discussed.
The minister told the prime minister that Seemanchal was rich in both natural and human resources and had the potential to grow rapidly with supportive policies and sustained backing from the central government. He stressed the importance of integrating the region more firmly into Bihar’s and India’s broader development trajectory.
Speaking to reporters later, Jaiswal said he had briefed PM Modi on the region’s agriculture-based economy, pointing to substantial production of tea, fruits and vegetables. He said these strengths created strong possibilities for the food processing industry, while sectors such as textiles, tourism and logistics also offered significant investment potential.
“Investment in these areas can generate large-scale local employment, reduce distress migration and strengthen the regional economy,” the minister said.
Infrastructure development featured prominently in the talks, with discussions on improving road connectivity between Kishanganj, Araria, Katihar and Purnea, as well as the construction of new bridges and national highways. Jaiswal sought faster central support for ongoing highway projects in the region.
Describing the interaction as positive, the minister said the prime minister had assured him of all possible assistance from the centre to support the development of Seemanchal.
