Saran: A delegation of investors from Tamil Nadu visited the long-defunct Marhaura Sugar Mill in Bihar’s Saran district on Sunday, signalling renewed interest in reviving one of the region’s historic industrial units. The visit comes as part of the Bihar government’s ongoing efforts to bring closed sugar mills back into operation and attract private investment in the sector.
During the inspection, the team assessed the current condition of the mill premises and examined the available infrastructure to evaluate the feasibility of restarting operations. The delegation also interacted with local sugarcane farmers to understand their challenges and discuss issues related to sugarcane cultivation and supply in the area. Members of the team later visited nearby fields to observe the status of standing sugarcane crops.
The initiative is linked to the state government’s industrial push under the Saat Nischay–3 programme, particularly the vision titled “Samriddh Udyog – Sashakt Bihar”, which aims to strengthen the state’s industrial base. As part of this plan, authorities have set a target to revive closed sugar mills across Bihar and establish 25 new mills in the coming years. The Sugarcane Industry Department has been actively working to attract investors and revive the once-thriving sugar sector.
Officials said the visiting delegation included S N Jayamurugan, chairman and managing director of SNJ Group of Companies, along with chairman Selva Kumar, vice-president Sri Krishna and group auditor Bimalendra Mishra. The team conducted the visit in coordination with officials of the state’s Sugarcane Department.
The Marhaura Sugar Mill holds historical importance as it was established in 1904 during British rule, making it one of the earliest sugar mills in both Bihar and the country. However, the mill stopped functioning in the 1990s, and over the years its machinery and infrastructure gradually deteriorated.
State officials say the latest inspection has revived hopes among farmers and local residents that the mill may once again become operational, potentially generating employment and strengthening the region’s agricultural economy. Assistant Cane Commissioner Vedvrat Kumar and Cane Officer Komar Kanan were also present during the inspection. Authorities described the visit as an encouraging step towards reviving the sugar industry in Bihar and attracting fresh investment into the sector.
