Bhagalpur Witnesses Major Infrastructure and Industrial Development Push
In a significant boost to infrastructure and economic growth in the Bhagalpur region, administrative sanction of Rs 50.17 crore has been granted for the four-lane expansion and strengthening of the NH-80 bypass (State Highway-19). This crucial project will cover the stretch from Zero mile to Lohia bridge on the Bhagalpur-Hansdiha road, as announced by Dilip Kumar Jaiswal, Minister of Industries and Road Construction Department and Bhagalpur District In-Charge Minister.
Republic Day Announcements Highlight Comprehensive Development
Addressing the Republic Day function in Bhagalpur on Monday, Minister Jaiswal outlined a series of transformative initiatives aimed at propelling the region's progress. "Our focus is on creating a robust infrastructure backbone and fostering industrial growth to make Bhagalpur a key economic hub," he stated, emphasizing the government's commitment to holistic development.
Major Investments and Infrastructure Projects Unveiled
Among the flagship projects highlighted, the Adani Power Project is set to invest Rs 30,000 crore in the Pirpainti Thermal Power Plant located in the Pirpainti block. This ambitious venture is expected to generate 2,400 MW of electricity, significantly contributing to Bihar's goal of achieving self-sufficiency in power generation in the near future.
Additional key infrastructure developments include:
- Establishment of Vikramshila Central University at Kahalgaon, enhancing higher education opportunities.
- Construction of a new greenfield airport to improve regional connectivity.
- Building an additional bridge over the Ganga river, parallel to the existing Vikramshila Setu, to ease traffic congestion.
Progress on Highway and Industrial Initiatives
Minister Jaiswal provided updates on the ongoing Munger-Mirzachowki four-lane project on NH-80, executed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) at an approximate cost of Rs 4,000 crore. With 79% completion achieved, this nearly 100 km stretch in Bhagalpur district is on track to be finalized by April this year.
To spur industrial growth, steps are underway to establish more employment-generating units under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. The Bihar State Investment Promotion Board (BSIPB) has supported the setup of 23 industrial units in the district, including:
- Rice mills
- Confectionery and soft drink factories
- A bottling plant
- A linen cloth factory
Employment and Welfare Schemes Gain Momentum
The Vishwakarma Yojana has made a tangible impact in Bhagalpur, with about 2,200 beneficiaries currently earning their livelihoods through the scheme. Out of nearly 6,000 successfully registered beneficiaries, approximately 2,100 have received toolkits, empowering them with essential resources for self-employment.
Further industrial expansion is planned with the initiation of industrial parks in Kahalgaon and Bhagalpur. Land has been earmarked in Kahalgaon and Goradih within the district to facilitate these parks, aiming to attract more investments and create job opportunities.
Tourism and Conservation Efforts Enhanced
In a move to boost tourism and environmental conservation, Minister Jaiswal announced the development of the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary (VGDS). This prominent dolphin conservation site and tourist attraction will be developed along the entire 60-km stretch of the Ganga from Sultanganj to Kahalgaon, promoting eco-tourism and biodiversity preservation.
Dignitaries and Officials Grace the Occasion
The Republic Day function was attended by several notable figures, including BJP MLA from Bhagalpur Rohit Pandey, Pirpainti MLA Murari Paswan, MLC N K Yadav, and other guests. Earlier in the day, the ceremony was held in the presence of divisional commissioner Avaneesh Kumar Singh, IG (Bhagalpur zone) Vivek Kumar, DM Nawal Kishor Chaudhary, SSP Pramod Kumar Yadav, and officials from the Bhagalpur Municipal Corporation (BMC), underscoring the collective commitment to the region's advancement.
