GG News Bureau
Siwan, 20th June: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹5,200 crore in Siwan, Bihar, asserting that the state is on its way to becoming a key pillar in India’s economic growth.
At a public rally, PM Modi declared, “Bihar will prosper and will also play a big role in the prosperity of the country.” Highlighting the nation’s recent strides in poverty alleviation, he said, “A record 25 crore Indians have defeated poverty in the last decade.”
Among the major announcements was the export of the first engine built at the Marhowra Locomotive Factory in Saran to Africa. “Today, the first engine from Marhowra is being exported. Bihar will become a big centre for ‘Made in India’,” the Prime Minister said.
He inaugurated railway projects, including the new Vaishali–Deoria railway line and flagged off a new train service along the route. He also flagged off the Patliputra–Gorakhpur Vande Bharat Express, connecting key spiritual and tourist destinations in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
PM Modi emphasized Bihar’s transformation under the NDA, crediting Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s leadership for infrastructural revival. He stated that over 1.5 crore homes in the state had been electrified and water connections provided to an equal number under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Touching upon the progress made in housing, the PM noted that more than 57 lakh pucca homes had been built in Bihar under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, including 1.10 lakh in Siwan. He virtually disbursed installments to over 50,000 families and celebrated the growing property ownership among women.
On energy infrastructure, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for a 500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System to be installed at 15 grid substations across Bihar. The project aims to reduce dependency on high-cost power and improve electricity supply in rural regions.
In line with his Namami Gange vision, six new sewage treatment plants (STPs) worth ₹1,800 crore were inaugurated to enhance sanitation in river towns. Foundation stones were also laid for drinking water, sanitation, and STP projects worth ₹3,000 crore in multiple towns.
The Prime Minister accused previous regimes of corruption and neglect, saying Bihar had once become a “symbol of forced migration and misrule.” He warned the public to stay vigilant against those who once promoted lawlessness and now seek a return to power.
Targeting dynastic politics, he said, “While others place Dr. Ambedkar’s image at their feet, I keep him in my heart.” He referred to recent political controversies involving perceived disrespect to Ambedkar’s legacy and reaffirmed the NDA’s commitment to the marginalised.
In conclusion, PM Modi said Bihar had regained its footing and was now ready to play a central role in a developed India. “With the foundation laid by Shri Nitish Kumar, it is now our alliance’s responsibility to take Bihar to new heights,” he asserted.
