Administrator
23 August 2025
*Image credit AIR
It’s a reality now. After the PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the 8.15 km Aunta–Simaria bridge project on NH-31 on Friday, investigations revealed Bihar is gaining a massive network of mega infrastructure.
The 8.15 km Aunta-Simaria bridge includes a 1.86 km six-lane bridge over the river Ganga. It is built at a cost of over ₹1,870 crore.
Constructed parallel to the nearly seven-decade-old Rajendra Setu, the new bridge has established direct connectivity between Mokama in Patna district and Begusarai and thereby reduced travel distance for heavy vehicles by up to 100 km.
Beyond easing transport, it also enhanced access to Simaria Dham, the revered pilgrimage site and birthplace of the celebrated poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, linking communities and fostering economic and cultural growth.
Also, the inauguration of this landmark project reflects the larger wave of transformation underway in Bihar, powered by major infrastructural investments aimed at boosting connectivity and economic growth across the state.
With its economy expanding 3.5 times since 2011–12 and Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) reaching 8.54 lakh crore in 2023–24, the state of Bihar is witnessing a historic shift in recent years.
Over the past decade, access to roads, electricity, and tap water has reached every village in Bihar. Government initiatives have focused on enhancing the quality of life through affordable housing, sanitation, clean drinking water, healthcare, and food security.
The Central government, making Bihar a key priority, increased its financial assistance from 2.8 lakh crore during 2004–14 to ₹9.23 lakh crore during 2014–24, enabling large-scale development projects across sectors. Taking this development further, the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid foundation stone and inaugurated development works worth over Rs 7,000 Crore in Motihari, Bihar on 18 July, 2025.
Bihar, once seen as a development challenge, is now emerging as a shining example of inclusive growth. This wave of infrastructure development is expected to open up new economic opportunities and support India’s overall growth
Infrastructure Development in Bihar: A Big Step Forward
Bihar has seen a major boost in infrastructure over the last 10 years, with large-scale projects in roads, railways, bridges, air travel, and energy. Projects worth ₹4 lakh crore have been allocated for the development of roads and bridges, along with ₹1 lakh crore for railway infrastructure and ₹2,000 crore for aviation-related projects.
Road and Highway Development: Linking Economies and Communities
Bihar has made notable progress in road and highway infrastructure over the past few years. Nearly 90% of the National Highways in the state are now double lane or wider, significantly enhancing regional connectivity. In the last five years, 850+ km of 4-lane and above National Highways have been constructed (excluding high-speed corridors), contributing to improved mobility, economic development, and ease of travel.
In August 2025, the Prime Minister inaugurated the four-lane Bakhtiyarpur–Mokama section of NH-31, built at a cost of around ₹1,900 crore, which will ease congestion, reduce travel time, and enhance passenger and freight movement. Additionally, the Bikramganj–Dawath–Nawanagar–Dumraon section of NH-120 has been upgraded to a two-lane road with paved shoulders, improving rural connectivity and creating new economic opportunities for local communities.
Earlier, on 18th July 2025, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the four-laning of the Ara Bypass of NH-319, which connected Ara-Mohania NH-319 and Patna-Buxar NH-922. The Prime Minister also inaugurated the four-lane Parariya to Mohania section of NH-319, built at a cost of over ₹820 crore. This section was part of NH-319, which connected Ara Town to NH-02 (Golden Quadrilateral) and improved freight and passenger movement.
In addition, a 2-lane road with paved shoulder from Sarwan to Chakai on NH-333C was developed. This road facilitated the movement of goods and people and acted as a key link between Bihar and Jharkhand.
Major Road Infrastructure Projects in Bihar
1. Greenfield Patna–Arrah–Sasaram Corridor (NH-119A)
The Greenfield Patna–Arrah–Sasaram Corridor, covering a length of 120.10 km, has been approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA). The project is being developed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) at an estimated cost of ₹3,712.4 crore.
This corridor aims to reduce traffic congestion on several state highways, including SH-2, SH-12, SH-81, and SH-102. It will also integrate with major national highways such as NH-19, NH-319, NH-922, NH-131G, and NH-120.
The project will enhance connectivity by linking two airports, four railway stations, and the Inland Water Terminal at Patna. It is expected to generate approximately 48 lakh person-days of employment and significantly improve the movement of goods and passengers.
2. Other High-Value Road Infrastructure Projects
Several major road projects have been launched to strengthen Bihar’s transport infrastructure:
These initiatives reflect the state’s strong commitment to building next-generation infrastructure that not only connects towns and villages but also connects people to opportunities, markets, and services. With each new project, Bihar moves a step closer to becoming a logistics and connectivity hub in Eastern India.
Railways in Bihar: Growing Faster Than Ever
Indian Railways has made remarkable progress in Bihar, significantly improving connectivity and capacity. From 2014–25, an average of 172.6 km of new railway tracks falling fully or partly in Bihar were commissioned, 2.5 times more than the 63.6 km built between 2009 and 2014.In 2023–24 alone, 361 km of new railway tracks were commissioned in Bihar. The annual railway budget outlay for Bihar has seen a nearly ninefold increase, rising from ₹1,132 crore per year during 2009–2014 to ₹10,066 crore in 2025–26.
To enhance passenger convenience, 115 new trains have been introduced since 2014, and additional stoppages have been provided to over 300 pairs of trains. Bihar also saw the launch of the first-ever farmers’ train to support agricultural transport. These efforts reflect the government’s strong focus on modernising Bihar’s rail infrastructure and ensuring greater connectivity across urban and rural regions.
This transformation on the ground is most visible in the expansion of Bihar’s railway infrastructure. From new lines and electrification to doubling and modern bridges, several key projects have been completed across the state, significantly improving connectivity and boosting economic potential. Some of the most impactful projects completed in recent years, either fully or partially within Bihar, are listed below:
|
Sl No |
Project |
Cost (in ₹Cr) |
|
1 |
Araria-Galgalia New Line (111 Km) |
4,415 |
|
2 |
Patna Bridge (40 Km) |
3,555 |
|
3 |
Munger Bridge (19 km) |
2,774 |
|
4 |
Sakri-Laukaha Bazar-Nirmali & Saharsa-Forbesganj Gauge Conversion (206 Km) |
2,113 |
|
5 |
Rampurhat-Mandarhill New Line and Rampurhat-Murarai-3rd line (160 km) |
1,500 |
|
6 |
Kiul-Gaya Doubling (123 km) |
1,200 |
|
7 |
Jayanagar-Darbhanga-Narkatiaganj and Narkatiaganj-Bhikhna Tori Gauge Conversion (295 Km) |
1,193 |
|
8 |
Hajipur-Bachwara Doubling (72 km) |
930 |
|
9 |
Kosi Bridge (22 Km) |
516 |
|
10 |
Bakhtiyarpur Flyover (4 Km) |
402 |
|
11 |
Valmikinagar-Sugauli-Muzaffarpur and Sugauli-Raxaul Railway Electrification (240 km) |
351 |
|
12 |
Katareah-Kursela Patch Doubling incl. bridge on river Kosi (7 km) |
222 |
|
13 |
Karota Patner-Mankatha - Surface triangle (8 km) |
129 |
|
14 |
Kiul-Tilaiya Railway Electrification (87 kms) |
105 |
Ongoing and Upcoming Rail Projects
Bihar’s rail infrastructure is witnessing rapid transformation through multi-tracking, new lines, and modern trains. The state is emerging as a major rail hub, improving regional connectivity, easing congestion, and enhancing passenger convenience.
The following are some of the significant projects undertaken, falling wholly or partially within Bihar:
|
No. |
Project |
Cost (In Crores of Rs) |
|
1 |
Sonnagar – Patratu multitracking (291 Km) |
5148 |
|
2 |
Pirpainti-Jasidih New Line (97 Km) |
2140 |
|
3 |
Neora-Daniawan–Biharsharif - Barbigah-Shekhpura New Line (166 Km) |
2200 |
|
4 |
Vikramshila-Katareah New Line with Bridge over River Ganga (26 Km) |
2090 |
|
5 |
Hajipur-Sagauli New Line (151 Km) |
2087 |
|
6 |
Koderma-Tilaiya New Line (65 Km) |
1626 |
|
7 |
Araria-Supaul New Line (96 Km) |
1605 |
|
8 |
Khagaria-Kusheshwarsthan New Line (42 Km) |
1511 |
|
9 |
Muzaffarpur-Sagauli Doubling (101 Km) |
1465 |
|
10 |
Rampur Dumra - Tal-Rajendra Pul-Additional bridge and doubling (14 Km) |
1677 |
|
11 |
Sagauli-Valmikinagar Doubling (110 Km) |
1280 |
|
12 |
Sakri-Hasanpur New Line (76 Km) |
735 |
|
13 |
Samastipur – Darbhanga Doubling (38 Km) |
624 |
|
14 |
Sitamarhi-Sheohar New Line (28 Km) |
567 |
|
15 |
Barauni- Bachwara 3rd & 4th line (32 Km) |
124 |
Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: Transforming Passenger Experience
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 1,337 railway stations across the country have been selected for redevelopment, including 98 stations in Bihar. The state has seen steady progress under the scheme, with Phase-I works completed at Pirpainti and Thawe stations. Redevelopment activities are also underway at key locations such as Saharsa, Salauna, Luckeesarai, Gaya, and Muzaffarpur, aiming to enhance passenger amenities and modernise station infrastructure.
|
The Ministry of Railways has launched the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme to redevelop railway stations with a long-term, phased approach. The scheme aims to enhance passenger amenities such as improved access, circulating areas, waiting halls, toilets, lifts/escalators, platform surfacing, cleanliness, free Wi-Fi, kiosks for local products (One Station One Product), modern information systems, executive lounges, and Divyangjan-friendly facilities. It also focuses on integrating stations with city infrastructure, promoting sustainability, and transforming stations into future city centres. |
Modern Rail Services Transforming Bihar
In addition to infrastructure upgrades, Bihar is also witnessing a significant boost in premium train services. On 22nd August 2025, the Prime Minister flagged off two important train services. 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.
Out of the 144 Vande Bharat Express services currently operational across India, 20 services on an originating or terminating basis are catering to stations in Bihar. The state is also connected through the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, with 2 out of 4 operational services catering to Bihar. These developments mark a major step forward in providing fast, modern, and comfortable rail travel for the people of Bihar.
Railways Support Festive Travel and Boost Spiritual Connectivity
Indian Railways is playing a key role in managing festive travel during Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath. Indian Railways has announced that over 12,000 special trains will operate for Diwali and Chhath during the current year. To ensure hassle-free return travel, specific measures are being put in place. Additionally, passengers travelling onward between October 13 and 26 and returning between November 17 and December 1 will be eligible for a 20% discount on return tickets, a move expected to benefit a large number of festive-season travellers.
Last year, between October 1 and November 5, 4,521 special trains carried 65 lakh passengers. Chhath, especially important in Bihar, saw an average of 175 special trains per day before the festival and over 160 during the return rush, mainly through Samastipur and Danapur divisions. In total, 6.85 crore passengers travelled to Bihar, Eastern UP, and Jharkhand, highlighting the Railways’ crucial support during the festive season.
During his visit to Bihar on 18th July 2025, the Prime Minister also announced the development of a new railway line from Sitamarhi to Ayodhya, which will enable devotees from Champaran to travel to Ayodhya for darshan, further boosting spiritual connectivity in the region.
Air Connectivity: Expanding Bihar’s Skies
Patna Airport handled 3 crore passengers, 83,000 tonnes of freight, and recorded 24,026 aircraft movements annually during 2014–2024. This highlights a shift toward modern, efficient, and inclusive infrastructure in the state.
Power and Energy Sector: Ensuring Reliable and Sustainable Supply
The Prime Minister also inaugurated the Buxar Thermal Power Plant (660x1 MW) in August 2025, built at a cost of around ₹6,880 crore. The project will enhance Bihar’s power generation capacity, strengthen energy security, and help meet the rising electricity demand in the region. These developments form part of the state’s broader efforts to expand conventional energy capacity while promoting a gradual shift towards cleaner, renewable sources for long-term sustainability.
Other projects in the state includes:
Vision for the Future: A Developed Bihar for a Developed India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions Bihar as a vibrant hub of modern infrastructure and inclusive growth. The state undergoing transformation through integrated development across key sectors such as power, road, rail, and air transport. This vision is backed by targeted welfare schemes like PM-KUSUM, PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi,the establishment of the Makhana Board, and the creation of food processing institutes, all aimed at empowering farmers and local communities. There is a strong emphasis on rural development, employment generation, and increasing farmers’ income, in line with the broader vision of making Bihar a key pillar in the journey towards a developed India.
Over the past 11 years, more than 4 crore houses have been constructed under the PM Awas Yojana across the country, including nearly 60 lakhs in Bihar. In Motihari district, around 3 lakh families have received pucca houses. On a single day, over 12,000 families in the region received the keys to their new homes, reflecting effective implementation of welfare schemes on the ground.
Government’s vision for Bihar reflected in Union Budget 2025–26
Establishment of Makhana Board was announced to improve production, processing, value addition, and marketing of Makhana. This will help in organizing people involved in these activities into Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). The board will provide training, handholding support, and help ensure access to relevant government schemes.
Setting up of a National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management in Bihar to strengthen food processing activities in the Eastern region. It will help farmers earn more through value addition and provide skilling, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities for youth.
Infrastructure, including hostels, at IIT Patna is being expanded. Across India, the total number of students in IITs increased from 65,000 to 1.35 lakh in the last 10 years. Additional facilities in five IITs established after 2014 will support 6,500 morestudents.
Financial support is being provided for the Western Koshi Canal ERM Project, benefiting farmers cultivating over 50,000 hectares of land in the Mithilanchal region.
Major Announcements for Bihar in Union Budget 2024–25
1. Purvodaya
The Government announced formulation of a plan ‘Purvodaya’ for the development of eastern states, including Bihar. It focuses on infrastructure, human resource development and economic opportunities to make the region a growth engine for Viksit Bharat.
2.Gaya Industrial Node
An industrial node at Gaya was announced under the Amritsar–Kolkata Industrial Corridor. It will promote industry in Bihar and link cultural heritage with modern economy, reflecting the vision of “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi”.
3. Religious and Cultural Development
Conclusion
Bihar’s infrastructure transformation reflects a decisive push toward connectivity, sustainability, and inclusive growth. With landmark projects in rail, road, energy, and aviation, Bihar is poised to emerge as a growth engine not just for the East, but for the entire nation. These initiatives are expected to yield multiplier effects across economic, social, and environmental parameters, ushering in a new era of prosperity and growth.
