Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday unveiled 28 development initiatives in Bihar’s Siwan district, amounting to over ₹5,900 crore, reinforcing the Centre’s commitment to infrastructure and welfare.
Among the key inaugurations was the Vaishali–Deoria railway line project, constructed at a cost exceeding ₹400 crore. Modi also flagged off a new train service along this route. Strengthening connectivity in north Bihar, he launched the Vande Bharat Express between Patliputra (Patna) and Gorakhpur via Muzaffarpur and Bettiah.
Supporting the ‘Make in India – Make for the World’ vision, the Prime Minister flagged off a high-tech locomotive manufactured at the Marhowra plant for export to the Republic of Guinea. This modern engine features high-horsepower capability, advanced AC propulsion, microprocessor controls, ergonomic design, and regenerative braking.
In alignment with his environmental focus, Modi inaugurated six Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) worth over ₹1,800 crore under the Namami Gange project. He also laid the foundation for additional water supply, sanitation, and STP works across the state, estimated at ₹3,000 crore.
To boost the energy sector, the Prime Minister launched a 500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project across 15 substations in regions like Muzaffarpur, Motihari, Bettiah, and Siwan. These batteries will help discoms manage peak load costs while ensuring reliable supply. An official noted, “These units will save the distribution companies from buying electricity at expensive rates by feeding the already-stored electricity back to the grid, benefiting the consumers.”
In the housing sector, Modi handed over the first instalment under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban (PMAY-U) to over 53,600 beneficiaries and marked the Grih Pravesh of more than 6,600 newly completed houses by distributing keys.
Earlier in the day, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary posted on X: “Today the people of Bihar are eagerly waiting for Modi ji, from energy to railways, from housing to export…..he (the PM) is bringing many gifts for the people of the state during his 51st visit to Bihar today”.
The launch event saw the presence of Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy CMs Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, along with Union ministers and senior officials.
At a public rally in Siwan, Modi also targeted the opposition, particularly the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), accusing them of long-standing misgovernance.
“The RJD and the Congress are responsible for the large-scale migration of labourers from Bihar and for the persistent poverty that plagued the state for decades,” Modi alleged.
He said that past governance by the RJD-Congress alliance focused more on self-interest than on public welfare. “During the Congress’s licence raj, their leaders became rich, but the public remained poor,” he said.
Condemning the RJD’s treatment of Babasaheb Ambedkar, the Prime Minister remarked, “The RJD insulted Babasaheb and the people of Bihar will never forgive its leaders. Leaders of RJD and Congress keep photographs of the architect of the Country's Constitution near their feet. I keep his photograph close to my heart."
Taking aim at dynastic politics, Modi said, “We believe in ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, but they believe only in ‘Parivaar Ka Vikas’.”
Referring to the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar, he warned voters about attempts by the RJD and Congress to return to power: “They created the jungle raj, and now they want to return. But the people of Bihar will give them a fitting reply in the assembly elections.”
Reflecting on the NDA government's development record, Modi said, “Under the NDA, 55,000 km of rural roads were constructed, over 1.5 crore households were electrified, and piped water reached 26 crore people.”
He also underscored the global recognition of India’s rise. “During my recent foreign visit, several world leaders praised India’s progress,” he noted.