₹53k cr committed, Bihar infra growth on fast track: Modi
Bihar may not have seen such a huge volume of ongoing work ever since Independence. NARENDRA MODI, Prime Minister
MOKAMA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday sought to present Bihar as a success story in terms of i nfrastructure growth under NDA rule at the Centre, saying that the people of the state were themselves stunned to know that projects worth over ₹38,000 crore were implemented or launched within a short span of three years.
Speaking at a function organised to mark the foundation laying of various infrastructure projects ₹3,769 crore in the Taal area of Mokama, about 120km east of Patna, Modi said, the government has demonstrated that fate of any state could be changed in such a short span.
“Bihar may not have seen such a huge volume of ongoing work going ever since Independence,” he said, adding that Bihar would be among prosperous states by 2022.
He said the network of rural roads had increased significantly nationally. “However, it needs to be backed up with roads, which connect growth centres to help assure economic prosperity to villages,” he said.
The PM also targeted his political rivals, alleging there were people who sought to run down investments in road and other communication projects.
“Road projects worth ₹53,000 crore are either going on or set to be launched soon. That would bring about a massive change in basic infrastructure of Bihar,” he added.
The projects for which the foundation stone was laid included ₹1,161 crore six-lane bridge over Ganga in Mokama, parallel to existing Rajendra Setu, another for widening of four national highways and ₹738crore for revamp of sewerage treatment plants and laying new sewage network in Patna under Namami Gange project.
Apparently ignoring chief minister Nitish Kumar’s opposition for development of waterways in the river Ganga, Modi said the operation of waterways from Patna to Haldia would go a long way in bringing down the cost of transport and thereby reduce the prices of essential commodities. The PM also remained non-committal on the CM’S request for a comprehensive plan for development of Mokama Taal area.
Spread over 1,016 sq km from Fatuha (in Patna) to Barbigha (Begusarai) along the river Ganga, the Taal area remains submerged in water. The area is known as the bowl of pulses. But farmers are unable to reap good yield for want of timely clearance of water.
Union minister of road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari said his ministry was committed to implement the ₹53,000 crore road projects, announced as part of special package worth ₹1.25 lakh crore by PM, on time.