Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (September 15, 2025) inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth around ₹40,000 crore in Purnea, Bihar. The projects span across railways, airports, power, irrigation, and housing, thereby giving a big push to the development of the Seemanchal region.
GST Relief for Daily-Use Goods
To begin with, PM Modi announced that the government has reduced GST on several daily-use items such as soaps, shampoos, food products, stationery, and garments. Moreover, the new rates will come into force from Navratri (September 22, 2025). He said this step will ease the financial burden of households and, most importantly, benefit women by making essential goods cheaper.
Boost to Connectivity and Infrastructure
At the event held at Sheesha Badi Maidan in Purnea, the Prime Minister inaugurated the newly built terminal of Purnea Airport, which was completed in less than five months, and subsequently flagged off its first commercial flight. With this development, Purnea has officially entered the aviation map of India.
In addition, the Prime Minister made key announcements in the railway sector. He flagged off:
- One Vande Bharat train
- Two Amrit Bharat trains
- One passenger train
Furthermore, he inaugurated the Araria–Galgalia line and laid the foundation of the Vikramshila–Kataria line. He also approved doubling of the Bhagalpur–Dumka–Rampurhat rail line and the Mokama–Munger section of the Buxar–Bhagalpur corridor.
Power and Irrigation Projects
Moving ahead, the Prime Minister inaugurated a 2,400 MW thermal power project in Bhagalpur and launched the Kosi–Mechi river link project, which will not only improve irrigation facilities but also reduce flood risks in the region.
Notably, he highlighted the government’s support to makhana farmers with the creation of the National Makhana Board and approval of a ₹475 crore plan to boost production, processing, and exports.
Women-Centric Initiatives
PM Modi also credited women for driving political change in Bihar. Consequently, he announced a ₹500 crore Community Investment Fund for women’s self-help groups. He further added that welfare schemes like free ration, Ayushman Bharat health insurance, housing, and GST relief will directly benefit women and ease household responsibilities.
Strong Message on Infiltration
Meanwhile, addressing the issue of illegal infiltration in Seemanchal, Assam, and Bengal, the Prime Minister gave a stern warning. He said, “Every infiltrator will be removed — this is my guarantee.” Furthermore, he accused the Congress-RJD alliance of supporting infiltrators for vote-bank politics and warned that the state’s identity and security were at stake.
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Political Backdrop
Importantly, the event comes ahead of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, who shared the stage with PM Modi, reiterated his commitment to the NDA, praising the Union Budgets of 2024 and 2025 for focusing on Bihar. In addition, he announced free power up to 125 units and increased pensions for the poor.
However, PM Modi attacked the opposition, saying that development in Bihar was making them uneasy. He also slammed the Congress for a controversial social media post that had compared Bihar to “bidis,” calling it an insult to the people of the state.
A New Phase for Bihar’s Development
In conclusion, PM Modi said that the projects launched in Purnea will not only boost infrastructure, connectivity, and industry, but also fulfil the aspirations of the people of Seemanchal. Therefore, with GST relief, new trains, improved power supply, and airport facilities, the region is set to take a big leap forward ahead of the festive season.
