Bihar’s Rapid Modernisation: Rail, Road, Air and Education Advances
Patna – Speaking on 13 October, a senior Bihar minister outlined the scale of transformation the state has undergone in the past ten years, linking the progress directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. The minister listed concrete achievements in transportation infrastructure, health facilities, and the education system.
During a cabinet session, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary presented a proposal that described Bihar’s current development as “a new chapter written under the prime minister’s direction.” The cabinet unanimously endorsed the proposal, offering thanks and best wishes to the prime minister.
Historically, the Ganga river could be crossed only at Mokama Ghat. Today, the landscape includes the JP Bridge, the Mahatma Gandhi Setu, a four‑lane bridge adjacent to the Gandhi Setu, a six‑lane bridge beside the JP Bridge, and additional bridges near the Vikramshila Setu and between Sahibganj and Manihari‑Katihar. These projects exemplify the central government’s focus on strengthening river‑crossing infrastructure.
Air travel has seen similar upgrades. Patna’s airport, once described as a “shack,” now ranks among India’s top airports. New airports have opened in Darbhanga and Purnia, a green‑field airport is under construction in Bhagalpur, and proposals for five more airports are moving forward, dramatically expanding the state’s aerial connectivity.
Railway reforms include a newly commissioned rail bridge at Simriya Ghat near Mokama, systematic renovation of stations with escalators and lifts, and the introduction of premium services like the Vande Bharat. A forthcoming bullet‑train line aims to cut the Patna‑Kishanganj travel time to just 1.5 hours.
Road development is highlighted by large‑scale corridors such as Gorakhpur‑Silghaty, Hardiya‑Varanasi, and Patna‑Purnia, each featuring multiple lanes to accommodate increasing traffic. On the education front, Bihar has secured 22 central schools, with state‑provided land ready for construction, and central minister Prahlad Joshi expected to officiate their inauguration.
The minister praised Prime Minister Modi for scripting Bihar’s success story and asserted that the state’s 14 crore residents collectively thank the prime minister. He also accused opposition leaders of being out of touch, criticizing them for focusing on street protests rather than providing tangible assistance to flood victims, patients, students, and the economically disadvantaged.