PM Modi Unveils Big Plans in Bihar Ahead of Elections
What does ₹36,000 crore mean for Bihar? Prime Minister Narendra Modi seems to believe it’s a signal—a loud one—that development can’t wait. During his recent visit to Purnea on Monday, he announced a lineup of new projects that triggered both applause and intrigue. From a brand-new terminal at Purnea Airport to the formation of a Makhana Board aimed at promoting the region’s iconic crop, this visit was not just symbolic—it carried weight.
Laying the Groundwork: The Lede
PM Modi’s rally in Purnea wasn’t just a campaign pitstop. It marked the formal inauguration of a set of infrastructure and economic development programs worth ₹36,000 crore. That’s not a small ticket by any measure. And while the timing, ahead of the general elections, will raise political eyebrows, many in the crowd seemed genuinely pleased with the announcements.
Timeline of Events
- Early afternoon: PM Modi lands in Purnea, greeted by officials and BJP cadre.
- 2:00 PM: He inaugurates the new terminal of Purnea Airport, which is expected to enhance air connectivity in North Bihar.
- 3:00 PM: The Prime Minister addresses a public rally, announcing a range of initiatives spanning agriculture, transport, energy, and skill development.
Official Statements
“This is not just about infrastructure. This is about dignity, livelihood, and bringing Bihar into the heart of India’s growth journey,” PM Modi said during his Purnea address.
He also emphasized how the launch of a proposed Makhana Development Board will “celebrate Bihar’s heritage and turn it into economic strength.” For those unfamiliar, makhana (fox nut) is a local delicacy and a key export crop from the region, often used in Ayurvedic treatments and health snacks.
What the ₹36,000 Crore Package Covers
The announced projects are split across various sectors. Let’s break that down:
1. New Infrastructure Projects
- New terminal at Purnea Airport
- Widening of key national highways
- Railway track doubling projects between Katihar and Naugachia
2. Agriculture and Rural Development
- Establishment of the Makhana Board
- Micro-irrigation and cold-chain logistics support in rural clusters
- Subsidy renewal for solar-powered farming tools
3. Youth and Skill Empowerment
- Setting up of a Skill India hub in Darbhanga
- Renewed funding for existing polytechnic and engineering colleges
A Look Back: PM Modi’s Budget Speeches on Bihar
If you go back a few years, you might remember the 2015 budget speech where PM Modi had promised special support packages for Bihar. That included infrastructure spending and the promotion of local industries. While some critics argue that the materialization of those promises has been slow, Monday’s speech served as a nod that Bihar still remains on the Centre’s radar.
“When I spoke in 2015 about Bihar needing more than sympathy, I meant it,” Modi said at the rally.
It’s true—Bihar has often been politically important but under-covered in economic policy circles. This shift toward agri-based innovation, marked by the formation of the Makhana Board, seems to answer some of those long-standing concerns.
Community Response
I was scrolling through some local news tweets. A few reactions really stood out to me. One user, claiming to be a makhana farmer from Katihar, posted: “Finally someone thought of us!” Another simply said, “Modi ne Purnea ka bhi socha.” These posts reflected something I hadn’t expected—genuine hope. Of course, there were the skeptics too, pointing to project delays from past announcements.
Local Voices
- “We’ve heard announcements before,” said Ramesh Prasad, a local school teacher. “But if they really build that airport properly, it’ll change travel here.”
- “Makhana rates keep fluctuating. If this board actually regulates and supports procurement, then it’s a real win,” added Meena Devi, a farmer near Araria.
Key Challenges Ahead
- Project Execution: Many schemes in Bihar have stalled at the paperwork or tender phase. How swiftly these newly launched projects take off remains to be seen.
- Corruption and Bureaucracy: Local level red-tape has been a consistent hurdle to Delhi-funded initiatives.
- Public Trust: Elections or not, trust isn’t built in a day—it takes visible change.
Why It Matters
Bihar doesn’t often find itself at the center of massive development talk. The state has long struggled with poor connectivity, brain drain, and lack of private investment. The announcement of fresh development that focuses on rural industries, education, and transport is bound to stir interest—both politically and among potential investors.
Looking Ahead
Will Bihar really change this time? Hard to say. But the signs are more concrete than symbolic this time. A functioning airport in Purnea? That alone could shorten travel time for thousands. An empowered Makhana Board? That could reduce middlemen and increase profits for farmers. If the projects stay on course, the tides might just turn.
For now, PM Modi’s speech has definitely brought Bihar back into political and economic conversations. As things unfold, one hopes that the ₹36,000 crore figure doesn’t just remain on posters and pamphlets.
