Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a slew of major development projects in Bihar’s Siwan, including infrastructure works in the rail, water, and power sectors, as well as a landmark export under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Marking a significant milestone, PM Modi flagged off a state-of-the-art locomotive manufactured at the Marhowra Plant for export to the Republic of Guinea — the first such export from the facility. The advanced locomotive features high-horsepower engines, AC propulsion systems, microprocessor controls, and regenerative braking technology.
He also inaugurated the Vande Bharat Express connecting Patliputra to Gorakhpur via Muzaffarpur and Bettiah, further enhancing regional connectivity. Additionally, the PM launched the new Vaishali-Deoria railway line project worth over ₹400 crore, along with a new train service on the route.
Reaffirming his commitment to the Namami Gange mission, the Prime Minister inaugurated six new Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) worth ₹1,800 crore to help rejuvenate the river Ganga and address sanitation needs.
In another major push for urban infrastructure, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for water supply and sanitation projects — including additional STPs — valued at over ₹3,000 crore across multiple Bihar towns.
To modernize the state’s power infrastructure, he also launched a 500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project, with standalone installations at 15 grid substations across Bihar, including in Muzaffarpur, Motihari, Bettiah, and Siwan. The BESS units will store electricity and feed it back to the grid, helping reduce power procurement costs and enhance efficiency.
Furthering the government’s housing push, PM Modi released the first instalment for over 53,600 beneficiaries under the PMAY-Urban scheme and handed over keys to a few among the 6,600 families receiving completed homes.
Addressing a large public gathering, PM Modi was felicitated for his continued developmental initiatives in the state, ahead of the crucial Bihar assembly elections later this year.
