The year 2025 will be remembered for significant progress in infrastructure development in Bihar, as both the state and Central governments took major steps aimed at bringing the state into the league of developed regions.
The year witnessed the inauguration and foundation-laying of several development projects, including airports, modern hospitals, six-lane bridges, four-lane roads, power projects, and initiatives focused on women’s economic empowerment.
The list of development initiatives included the expansion of railways, national highways and roads, rural development programmes, strengthening of animal husbandry and the dairy sector, development of digital infrastructure through information technology, and welfare schemes for poor and rural families through self-help groups and housing programmes.
On 29 May, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Rs 1,200-crore new terminal building of Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport in Patna and flagged off the construction of a new airport at Bihta, a suburb located about 25 km from the Bihar capital. Later, on 15 September, he inaugurated the new terminal building of Purnea Airport.
The state-of-the-art terminal buildings at Patna and Purnea airports, along with the proposed Bihta airport, promise a comfortable and world-class experience for travellers. The development of modern aviation infrastructure is expected to strengthen Bihar’s connectivity and boost tourism, trade, and investment opportunities.
With the commencement of operations at Purnea Airport, travel time between Seemanchal and large parts of North Bihar is expected to reduce significantly, making it a milestone for regional economic development.
Phase One of Bihar’s first metro rail project, the Patna Metro, was also inaugurated this year. Metro services are currently operational over a 3.6-kilometre stretch. Work on the project is progressing rapidly, with full completion expected by 2027.
A part of Bihar’s first six-lane cable-stayed bridge over the Ganga River, connecting Kachchi Dargah to Bidupur, was also inaugurated this year. The inaugurated stretch measures 4.57 kilometres, while the total length of the bridge from Patna to Raghopur is 9.76 kilometres. The project, involving an investment of over Rs 5,000 crore, is expected to significantly improve transportation and accelerate economic activity.
PM Modi inaugurated the six-lane Aunta–Simaria Bridge over the Ganga River on 22 August. The bridge is 1.86 kilometres long and was constructed at a cost of Rs 1,770 crore. Including approach roads, the total project length is 8.15 kilometres. The bridge has improved connectivity between Mokama in Patna district and Begusarai, providing major relief to commuters.
On the same day, he inaugurated the four-lane Bakhtiyarpur–Mokama road project. Built at a cost of Rs 1,900 crore, the project is expected to boost economic activity across the region and improve rural connectivity.
Prime Minister Modi also laid the foundation stone of the 660-megawatt Buxar Thermal Power Plant during the year. The project is expected to strengthen Bihar’s power generation capacity.
The first phase of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s flagship project, the expansion of Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) into a 5,000-bed facility, was also inaugurated this year. On May 3, the Chief Minister inaugurated two towers of the 1,117-bed hospital. One of the towers includes a helipad to facilitate the rapid transport of patients from remote areas during emergencies.