Muzaffarpur: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday laid the foundation stone for development projects worth Rs 574.16 crore in Muzaffarpur, marking a key milestone in fulfilling the promises made during his Pragati Yatra earlier this year.
At a public event held near Bhagwanpur Chowk, the Chief Minister launched seven major infrastructure schemes, spanning the Road Construction Department, Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation, and the Rural Works Department. These include a ROB-cum-approach road project near Madipur Power House Chowk (Rs 167.68 crore), and a series of road widening and strengthening initiatives such as the Chandni Chowk–Ramdayalu Nagar stretch (Rs 44.76 crore) and segments of the Shivhar–Meenapur–Kanti road (Rs 126.74 crore combined).
Among other projects are the Jagannath Mishra College Bridge (Phase 2) at Rs 120.93 crore and a high-level RCC bridge at Bhattgama Madhurpatti Ghat in Gaighat block, worth Rs 24.28 crore.
Following the foundation-laying ceremony, the Chief Minister met beneficiaries of various welfare schemes at Teacher Training College, Patahi. Recipients of the Social Security Pension Scheme expressed gratitude for the recent pension hike from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100 per month, noting the positive impact on household stability. Kumar also distributed tricycles to persons with disabilities and handed out Rs 1 lakh cheques under the Inter-caste Marriage Promotion Scheme.
Acknowledging the state’s recently introduced Chief Minister’s Electricity Consumer Assistance Scheme, beneficiaries lauded the provision of 125 free electricity units per month for domestic users. Kumar responded, “This initiative aims to ease household expenses and support children’s education.”
ASHA workers present at the event thanked the CM for a threefold increase in their incentives. In return, Kumar commended their crucial role in rural healthcare delivery and urged continued dedication.
Panchayat representatives also extended their appreciation for an enhanced monthly allowance and presented tokens of gratitude. Kumar encouraged them to uphold their responsibility in grassroots governance and regional development.
A symbolic cheque of Rs 105 crore was handed over to 5,642 self-help groups, alongside Rs 2.11 crore to 201 groups. Addressing the Jeevika Didis (women members of self-help groups), the Chief Minister recalled how his government initiated the Jeevika programme in 2006 with World Bank support. “You are the backbone of a self-reliant Bihar,” he said. “Your success has inspired similar initiatives across the country.”
Later, Kumar inspected the nearly complete Muzaffarpur bypass project — a 16.87 km corridor costing Rs 250 crore. Only the ROB remains under construction. “Finish the remaining work at the earliest. This will ease city traffic,” he instructed officials.
The foundation stone ceremony follows the CM’s visit to Muzaffarpur during the Pragati Yatra on 5 January, when he pledged major infrastructure upgrades for the district. Thursday’s launch includes three bridge projects, three road projects, and one rural development initiative.
