New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth more than Rs 5,200 crore in Siwan, Bihar today. Extending greetings, the Prime Minister paid respects to Baba Mahendra Nath, Baba Hans Nath, Sohgara Dham, Maa Thawe Bhawani and Maa Ambika Bhawani. He honoured the memory of the first President of India, Desh Ratna Rajendra Prasad and Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan.
Describing Siwan as an inspiring land of India’s freedom struggle, Modi said this region has strengthened the Constitution and the nation’s democracy. He highlighted that Siwan gave the country Rajendra Prasad, who played a key role in drafting the Constitution and guiding the country’s early years, and also remembered Braj Kishore Prasad, who dedicated his life to women’s empowerment.
Modi said that the mission of such great leaders is being carried forward strongly by the Union and State governments and today’s programme is part of that effort. He announced that projects worth thousands of crores were inaugurated and foundation stones laid at the same event, adding that these steps will make Bihar brighter and more prosperous. He said these projects will benefit regions like Siwan, Sasaram, Buxar, Motihari, Bettiah and Arrah and will ease life for the poor, deprived, Dalits, Mahadalits and backward communities.
Sharing his experiences from his recent foreign tour, Modi said leaders of developed countries are impressed by India’s growth and see India emerging as the world’s third-largest economy. He said, “A prosperous Bihar will significantly contribute to the country's overall development.” Praising the people for overcoming the era of lawlessness, he pointed out that the youth today only hear stories of how Bihar was two decades ago.
He emphasised that Biharis never compromise on their self-respect but previous regimes hurt Bihar’s pride through corruption and misrule that turned poverty into Bihar’s misfortune. He said that under Nitish Kumar’s leadership, Bihar is back on the path of progress. In the last 10–11 years, about 55,000 km of rural roads have been built, over 1.5 crore homes have got electricity and water connections, and over 45,000 Common Service Centres have been set up, helping new start-ups even in small towns.
Warning people to remain alert, Modi said that elements responsible for past lawlessness want to regain control of the government and Bihar’s economy through various tactics. He urged people to keep such groups away to maintain the momentum of Bihar’s development.
Highlighting poverty reduction, he said, “In the past decade, a record 25 crore Indians have overcome poverty,” adding that global institutions like the World Bank have acknowledged this. He credited Bihar and Nitish Kumar’s government for playing an important role. He said nearly four crore people in Bihar alone have come out of poverty in the last ten years.
He blamed the old license raj for trapping people in poverty and described how earlier governments denied the poor basic services while middlemen looted rations and jobs needed bribes. He said, “Over the past 11 years, our government has remained committed to removing every obstacle from the path of the poor.” He noted that over 4 crore pucca houses have been given to poor families nationwide and another 3 crore houses will be built. He said 57 lakh pucca houses have been built in Bihar and over 1.10 lakh houses in Siwan alone. Installments for over 50,000 families were released today, and most houses are registered in the names of women, who are becoming proud homeowners.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the government is also providing free ration, electricity and water. He said that over 12 crore households nationwide now have tap water connections, with over 4.5 lakh families getting tap water for the first time in Siwan district alone. He spoke about new pipeline and sewage treatment plants approved for many towns in Bihar that will improve living standards for poor and middle-class families.
Strongly criticising the past regimes, he said they were anti-Bihar and anti-investment, causing locked shops and crippled industries. He said Bihar’s youth do not trust them because they only remember mafia rule, corruption and failing infrastructure.
Pointing to the Marhowra Locomotive Factory, Modi announced that the first engine made there is being exported to Africa, marking a historic milestone and showing Bihar’s place on the global manufacturing map. He said an engine made in Bihar will now power trains in Africa and called this a matter of pride. He added that Bihar will become a hub for Made in India manufacturing, with local products and factory goods reaching global markets. “The products created by Bihar’s youth will strengthen the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he said.
He highlighted record investments in Bihar’s roads, railways, airports and waterways. He announced the new Patna–Gorakhpur Vande Bharat Express, linking the land of Baba Hariharnath and Baba Gorakhnath, and said it will connect Lord Buddha’s penance site to his Mahaparinirvana site at Kushinagar.
These steps will boost Bihar’s industry, commerce and tourism, creating countless jobs for the youth.
Modi reiterated the government’s commitment to ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ and contrasted it with the family-first politics of previous regimes, which he said betrayed millions for the benefit of a few families. He said Dr B R Ambedkar opposed dynastic politics and accused these parties of insulting his legacy, saying, “They place Dr Ambedkar’s image at their feet, but I hold him in my heart.” He said the people of Bihar will never forget this insult.
He said the groundwork for Bihar’s rapid progress has been laid and it is now the alliance’s responsibility to take Bihar to new heights. Modi expressed confidence in Bihar’s youth and said together they will restore Bihar’s ancient glory and make it a driving force for a developed India.
The Governor of Bihar Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and several Union Ministers attended the event.
As part of the programme, Modi laid the foundation stone for the Vaishali–Deoria railway line, flagged off a new train service on the route, and inaugurated the Patliputra–Gorakhpur Vande Bharat Express via Muzaffarpur and Bettiah. He flagged off a locomotive built at the Marhowra Plant for export to Guinea, inaugurated six Sewage Treatment Plants under the Namami Gange project, laid the foundation stone for water supply and sanitation projects worth over Rs 3,000 crore, and launched a 500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System at multiple substations. He also released the first instalment to more than 53,600 PMAY-U beneficiaries in Bihar and handed over keys for the completed houses.
BI Bureau
