Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects worth Rs 12,000 crore at Gaya in Bihar today. The Prime Minister offered salutations to Gaya ji, the sacred city of knowledge and liberation and extended greetings to all from the glorious land of the Vishnupad Temple. Shri Modi remarked that the land of Gaya ji is a land of spirituality and peace. He highlighted that this sacred soil is where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. “Gaya ji’s spiritual and cultural heritage is both ancient and immensely rich”, stated Shri Modi. Noting that the people of the region wished for the city to be referred to not merely as “Gaya,” but respectfully as “Gaya ji”, the Prime Minister congratulated the Bihar Government for honoring this sentiment. He expressed happiness that their Governments at Centre and Bihar are consistently working towards the rapid development of Gaya ji.

Highlighting that today, from the sacred land of Gaya ji, projects worth ₹12,000 crore have been inaugurated and foundation stones laid in a single day, Shri Modi said that these projects span key sectors including energy, healthcare, and urban development. He remarked that these initiatives will strengthen Bihar’s industrial capacity and create new employment opportunities for the youth and congratulated the people of Bihar for these transformative projects. The Prime Minister further informed that a hospital and research centre have been inaugurated today to enhance healthcare facilities in the state. He noted that with this, the people of Bihar now have an additional facility for cancer treatment.

Affirming that removing hardships from the lives of the poor and making the lives of women easier brings him the greatest satisfaction as a servant of the people, the Prime Minister reiterated that providing pucca houses to the poor is one of his major commitments. He declared that until every needy person receives a pucca house, he will not rest. He highlighted that, following this resolve, over the past 11 years, 4 crore pucca houses have been built for the poor across the country. Noting that more than 38 lakh houses have been constructed in Bihar alone, and over 2 lakh families in Gaya district have received their own pucca homes, Shri Modi emphasized that these are not just houses, but symbols of dignity for the poor. He stated that these homes come equipped with electricity, water, toilets, and gas connections—ensuring that poor families also live with convenience, safety, and dignity.

Prime Minister stated that continuing this initiative, over 16,000 families in Bihar’s Magadh region have now received their pucca homes. He remarked that this year, Diwali and Chhath Puja celebrations in these households will be even more vibrant. Extending congratulations to all beneficiary families who have received their homes, Shri Modi assured those who are still awaiting benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana that the campaign will continue until every poor citizen receives a pucca house.

“Bihar is the land of Chandragupta Maurya and Chanakya. Whenever India has faced challenges from its enemies, Bihar has stood as a shield for the nation”, stated Shri Modi emphasizing that any resolve taken on the soil of Bihar never goes unfulfilled. Referring to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where innocent civilians were killed after being asked their religion, the Prime Minister recalled that it was from the land of Bihar that he had vowed to eliminate terrorism. He asserted that today, the world is witnessing the fulfillment of that resolve taken on Bihar’s soil. Shri Modi reminded the nation that while Pakistan was launching drone and missile attacks, India was intercepting and neutralizing those missiles mid-air like straw in the wind. He affirmed that not a single missile from Pakistan was able to cause harm to India.

“Operation Sindoor has drawn a new line in India’s defence strategy”, exclaimed Shri Modi asserting that now, no one can escape after sending terrorists into India or orchestrating attacks. He remarked that even if terrorists hide in the depths of the earth, India’s missiles will bury them there.

“The rapid development of Bihar is a major priority for the NDA government at the Centre”, emphasised the Prime Minister remarking that Bihar is now progressing on the path of comprehensive development. He underlined that in recent years, solutions have been found for longstanding problems, and new avenues for progress have been created. Recalling the dire conditions during the “lantern regime”, Shri Modi stated that during that period, the region was gripped by red terror, and due to Maoist activities, movement after sunset was extremely difficult. He noted that cities like Gaya ji remained engulfed in darkness under the lantern regime. The Prime Minister pointed out that thousands of villages lacked even basic infrastructure like electricity poles. He asserted that those who governed during the lantern era pushed Bihar’s future into darkness. He further emphasized that there was neither education nor employment, and generations of Biharis were forced to migrate due to these conditions.

Shri Modi stated that the opposition and its allies view the people of Bihar merely as a vote bank. He remarked that they have no concern for the joys and sorrows of the poor, nor for their dignity and respect. The Prime Minister recalled that a former Chief Minister from a certain party had once publicly declared from a stage that people from Bihar would not be allowed to enter his state. Strongly criticizing the deep hatred and contempt towards the people of Bihar by such leaders, Shri Modi stated that despite witnessing such mistreatment, the opposition party’s leadership remained in deep slumber.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi stated that the current Bihar government is responding to the divisive campaign of opposition alliances. He emphasized that efforts are underway to ensure that the sons and daughters of Bihar find employment within the state. Underlining that major projects are now being developed across Bihar, Shri Modi informed that the largest industrial area in Bihar is being established in Dobhi, Gaya ji district and a technology centre is also being set up in Gaya ji. He also mentioned the inauguration of the Buxar Thermal Power Plant today. Recalling that just a few months ago, he laid the foundation stone for the Nabinagar Super Thermal Power Project in Aurangabad, Shri Modi further stated that a new thermal power plant will be constructed in Pirpainti, Bhagalpur. He added that these power plants will significantly enhance electricity supply in Bihar. Acknowledging that increased power generation leads to improved electricity availability in homes and greater supply for industries, Shri Modi said that this expansion in energy infrastructure will also create new employment opportunities.

Stating that the Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar has launched a major campaign to provide permanent government jobs to the youth of Bihar, Shri Modi remarked that it is because of Shri Nitish Kumar’s leadership that teacher recruitment in the state has been conducted with full transparency. He emphasized that efforts are being made to ensure that a maximum number of young people in Bihar find employment within the state itself, without having to migrate for jobs. Highlighting that a new initiative by the Central Government will significantly support this goal, the Prime Minister said that in his Independence Day speech, the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana was announced. Under this scheme, when young individuals take up their first job in the private sector, the Central Government will provide ₹15,000 directly to them. He added that private companies offering employment to youth will also receive financial support. The Prime Minister affirmed that this scheme will greatly benefit the youth of Bihar.

Criticising the opposition parties and their governments for never valuing public money, Shri Modi said that for them, public funds were merely a means to fill their own coffers. He highlighted that under the opposition's rule, projects remained incomplete for years. The longer a scheme was delayed, the more money they made from it. The Prime Minister asserted that this flawed mindset has now been changed by their  government. He emphasized that after a foundation stone is laid, efforts are made to complete the work as quickly as possible. Citing today’s programme as an example of this approach, Shri Modi recalled that he had laid the foundation stone for the Aunta–Simaria section, and now he is inaugurating it himself. He stated that this bridge will not only connect roads but will also link North and South Bihar. He noted that heavy vehicles, which earlier had to take a 150-kilometre detour via Gandhi Setu, will now have a direct route. The Prime Minister remarked that this will accelerate trade, strengthen industries, and make travel easier for pilgrims. He affirmed that development projects initiated under their government will be completed—this is a certainty.

Prime Minister stated that their governments at Centre and State are working rapidly to advance railway development in Bihar. He highlighted that under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, Gaya ji Railway Station is being modernized to offer airport-like facilities to passengers. Shri Modi noted that Gaya is now a city with access to Rajdhani, Jan Shatabdi, and Made-in-India Vande Bharat trains. He emphasized that the direct rail connectivity from Gaya ji through Sasaram, Prayagraj, and Kanpur to Delhi is creating new opportunities for Bihar’s youth and entrepreneurs. 

Expressing gratitude for their blessings and the nation’s unwavering trust, which enabled him to begin his tenure as Prime Minister in 2014—a tenure that continues uninterrupted, Shri Modi affirmed that in all these years, not a single stain of corruption has been found on his government. In contrast, he remarked that opposition governments which ruled for six to six-and-a-half decades after Independence, have a long list of corruption cases adding that the corruption by opposition parties is known to every child in Bihar. The Prime Minister stated clearly that to take the fight against corruption to its logical conclusion, no one should be outside the scope of action. He pointed out the current law under which even a junior government employee is automatically suspended if held in custody for 48 hours. He questioned how it is possible that a Chief Minister or Minister can enjoy the privileges of power even while in jail. He cited recent instances where files were being signed and official orders issued directly from jail. Shri Modi said that if this is the attitude of political leaders, then how can the fight against corruption be effectively pursued.

Emphasising that the Indian Constitution expects honesty and transparency from every public representative, the Prime Minister stressed that the dignity of the Constitution must not be allowed to be torn apart. He announced that their government is bringing a stringent anti-corruption law that will apply even to the Prime Minister of the country. He added that Chief Ministers and Ministers will also be covered under this law. Explaining it further, Shri Modi said that once this law is enacted, any Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or Minister who is arrested will be required to secure bail within 30 days. If bail is not granted, they will have to vacate their position on the 31st day. He affirmed that the government is moving forward with the intent to enact such a strict law. 

Criticising the opposition parties for opposing this legislation, Shri Modi remarked that their anger stems from fear—those who have committed wrongdoings may hide them from others, but they themselves are aware of their actions. He stated that some leaders from opposition parties are out on bail, while others are entangled in legal proceedings related to scams and these individuals fear that if they go to jail, their political dreams will be shattered. He said this is why they are opposing the proposed law. The Prime Minister reflected that leaders like Rajendra Babu and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar could never have imagined that power-hungry individuals would commit corruption and cling to office even while in jail. He asserted that under the new law, corrupt individuals will not only go to jail but will also lose their positions of power. “The  resolve to free India from corruption is a collective commitment of crores of citizens—and this resolve will be fulfilled”, stated the PM.

Mentioning that he had raised a serious concern from the Red Fort—one that affects Bihar as well, Shri Modi remarked that the rising number of infiltrators in the country is a matter of grave concern. He highlighted that the demographic profile of Bihar’s border districts is changing rapidly and affirmed that their government has resolved not to let infiltrators decide the future of the nation. The Prime Minister stressed that infiltrators will not be allowed to snatch employment opportunities from Bihar’s youth. He emphasized that facilities meant for Indian citizens will not be looted by infiltrators. To address this threat, the Prime Minister announced the launch of a Demography Mission, which will begin operations very soon. He asserted that every infiltrator will be expelled from the country, urging the people of Bihar to remain vigilant against those within the country who support infiltrators. Shri Modi strongly criticized the opposition parties for attempting to deprive Biharis of their rights and hand them over to infiltrators. He stated that for appeasement and vote-bank politics, those parties were willing to go to any extent. The Prime Minister called upon the people of Bihar to remain extremely alert.

Stressing that Bihar must be protected from the harmful intentions of the opposition parties, Shri Modi emphasized that this is a very crucial time for Bihar. He expressed hope that the dreams of Bihar’s youth will be fulfilled and added that the aspirations of the people of Bihar must be given new wings. Highlighting that the Central Government is working shoulder to shoulder with Shri Nitish Kumar for this purpose, the Prime Minister  concluded by affirming that to maintain the pace of development in Bihar, their Governments at Center and State are continuously working hard, adding that today’s development projects are an important step in this direction.

The Governor of Bihar, Shri Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar, Union Ministers Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Shri Jitan Ram Manji, Shri Giriraj Singh, Shri Chirag Paswan, Shri Nityanand Rai, Shri Ram Nath Thakur, Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey were present among other dignitaries at the event.

Background

In line with his commitment to improving connectivity, Prime Minister inaugurated the 8.15 km long Aunta – Simaria bridge project on NH-31, including the 1.86 km long 6 lane Bridge on river Ganga, constructed at a cost of over Rs 1,870 crore. It will provide direct connectivity between Mokama in Patna and Begusarai.

The bridge has been constructed parallel to an old 2-lane dilapidated rail-cum-road bridge “Rajendra Setu” which is in poor condition forcing heavy vehicles to re-route. The new bridge will reduce this extra travel distance of more than 100 km for the heavy vehicles travelling between North Bihar (Begusarai, Supaul, Madhubani, Purnea, Araria etc) and South Bihar areas (Sheikhpura, Nawada, Lakhisarai etc). It will also help reduce issues of traffic jams in other parts of the region due to the detour which these vehicles were forced to take.

It will boost economic growth in the adjoining areas, especially in North Bihar, which are dependent on South Bihar and Jharkhand for getting necessary raw material. It will also provide better connectivity to the famous pilgrimage place of Simaria Dham, which is also the birthplace of famous poet Late Shri Ramdhari Singh Dinkar.

Prime Minister also inaugurated the four-lane Bakhtiyarpur to Mokama section of NH-31, worth around Rs 1,900 crore, which will ease congestion, reduce travel time, and enhance passenger and freight movement. Further, improvement to the two-lane with paved shoulders of Bikramganj–Dawath–Nawanagar–Dumraon section of NH-120 in Bihar will improve connectivity in rural areas, providing new economic opportunities for the local population.

Strengthening the power sector infrastructure in Bihar, Prime Minister will inaugurate Buxar Thermal Power Plant (660x1 MW) worth around Rs 6,880 crore. It will significantly enhance power generation capacity, improve energy security, and meet the growing electricity demand of the region.

In a major boost to health infrastructure, Prime Minister inaugurated the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre at Muzaffarpur. The centre includes advanced Oncology OPD, IPD wards, operation theatres, modern lab, blood bank, and a 24-bed ICU (Intensive Care Unit) and HDU (High Dependency Unit). This state-of-the-art facility will provide advanced and affordable cancer care to patients in Bihar and neighbouring states, reducing the need to travel to distant metros for treatment.

Furthering his vision of Swachh Bharat and ensuring Aviral and Nirmal Dhara of river Ganga, Prime Minister inaugurated the Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) and Sewerage Network at Munger constructed under Namami Gange worth over Rs 520 crore. It will help reduce pollution load in the Ganga and improve sanitation facilities in the region.

Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for a series of urban infrastructure projects worth around Rs 1,260 crore. These include the STP and Sewerage Network at Daudnagar in Aurangabad, and Jehanabad; STP and interception and diversion works at Barahiya in Lakhisarai, and Jamui. Under AMRUT 2.0, he will lay the foundation stone of Water Supply Projects at Aurangabad, Bodhgaya and Jehanabad. These projects will provide clean drinking water, modern sewerage systems, and improved sanitation thereby improving health standards and quality of life in the region.

Boosting rail connectivity in the region, Prime Minister l flagged off two trains. Amrit Bharat Express between Gaya and Delhi which will improve passenger convenience with modern facilities, comfort, and safety. And Buddhist Circuit Train between Vaishali and Koderma which will give a boost to tourism and religious travel across key Buddhist sites in the region.

Grih Pravesh ceremony of 12,000 rural beneficiaries under PMAY-Gramin and 4,260 beneficiaries under PMAY-Urban also took place with the symbolic handing over of keys to a few beneficiaries by the Prime Minister, thus  fulfilling the dream of owning a house of thousands of families.

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MJPS/SR