Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the interim terminal building at the New Civil Enclave of Purnea Airport in Bihar on Monday. The event was attended by Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, and Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Sinha and Samrat Choudhary.
The inauguration of the Purnea Airport is expected to improve passenger and cargo services in northeastern Bihar, enhancing regional connectivity and boosting economic activity. PM Modi emphasized that Purnea has now been placed on the country's aviation map, enabling direct connectivity between Purnea and Seemanchal with major cities and key commercial hubs across the nation. He also flagged off the first flight on the Purnea-Kolkata route. Purnea Airport will be Bihar's third, after Patna and Darbhanga, and is expected to be used by people from the Seemanchal districts of Purnea, Kishanganj, Araria, and Katihar, besides Bhagalpur.
In addition to the airport inauguration, PM Modi launched the National Makhana Board in Bihar. The establishment of the Makhana Board in Bihar will give a major boost to Makhana production in the State and the country and strengthen the presence of Bihar on the global map in this sector. The Board will promote production and new technology development, strengthen post-harvest management, promote value addition and processing, and facilitate market, export, and brand development in Makhana, thereby benefiting the Makhana farmers of Bihar and the country.
Bihar accounts for approximately 90% of the country's total Makhana production. Key districts, such as Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Saharsa, Katihar, Purnea, Supaul, Kishanganj, and Araria, serve as primary hubs due to their favorable climatic conditions and fertile soil, which contribute to the superior quality of makhana. The Centre has approved a development package worth nearly Rs 475 crore for the sector. The Makhana Board in Bihar aims to organize farming, provide technical support, stabilize prices, promote marketing, and enhance exports.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth around ₹36,000 crore in Purnea. This includes laying the foundation stone of the 3x800 MW thermal power project at Pirpainti, Bhagalpur. It will be Bihar's largest private sector investment worth ₹25,000 crore and is designed on ultra-super critical, low-emission technology that will provide dedicated power and strengthen Bihar's energy security. The foundation stone of Phase 1 of the Kosi-Mechi Intra-State River Link Project, worth over ₹2680 crore, was also laid by the PM. It will focus on upgrading the canal, including desilting, reconstruction of damaged structures, and renovation of the settling basin, while also enhancing its discharge capacity from 15,000 to 20,000 cusecs, benefiting multiple districts in northeastern Bihar with irrigation expansion, flood control, and agricultural resilience.
In line with his commitment to improve rail connectivity, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of rail projects and flagged off multiple trains in Bihar. He flagged off one Vande Bharat, two Amrit Bharat, and one passenger train. He also announced the inauguration of the new Araria–Galgalia rail line and laid the foundation stone for the Vikramshila–Kataria rail line.
These projects represent one of the largest recent investment commitments for Bihar, intended to address both immediate developmental needs and long-term growth prospects. Key components of the package are designed to enhance connectivity, ensure energy security, modernize agricultural practices, and create employment opportunities.
