New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced a high-profile visit to West Bengal and Bihar on Monday, unveiling a series of developmental and infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening India’s military readiness, regional connectivity, and economic growth. The visit marks a significant step in the government’s push for modernization and strategic regional development.
The day began in Kolkata, where PM Modi inaugurated the 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference-2025 at 9:30 a.m. The three-day event, running from September 15 to 17, brings together the top leadership of India’s Armed Forces and civilian authorities. This year’s theme, ‘Year of Reforms – Transforming for the Future’, highlights the government’s commitment to long-term transformation and modernization of India’s military capabilities.
Following the Kolkata engagement, the Prime Minister proceeded to Purnia, Bihar, to inaugurate the new Interim Terminal Building of the New Civil Enclave at Purnea Airport. The upgraded terminal is expected to enhance regional air connectivity and significantly improve passenger handling capacity in northeastern Bihar, contributing to economic and social development in the region.
In a major investment push, PM Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated projects worth nearly Rs 36,000 crore. Among the flagship initiatives is Bihar’s largest private-sector investment, the 3x800 MW Thermal Power Project at Pirpainti in Bhagalpur, valued at Rs 25,000 crore. Utilizing ultra-super critical, low-emission technology, the project is projected to bolster Bihar’s energy security while supporting sustainable development.
The Prime Minister also launched Phase 1 of the Kosi-Mechi Intra-State River Link Project, with an estimated investment of over Rs 2,680 crore. This project is designed to improve irrigation, flood control, and agricultural productivity in northeastern Bihar by enhancing canal discharge capacity and rehabilitating key infrastructure, providing long-term benefits to farming communities.
Recognizing Bihar’s prominence in makhana cultivation, PM Modi inaugurated the National Makhana Board, aimed at modernizing production, post-harvest management, technology adoption, value addition, marketing, and export promotion. The initiative intends to position Bihar’s makhana on the global stage, leveraging its dominance in national output, which accounts for nearly 90 percent of India’s production.
Furthering rural empowerment, the Prime Minister distributed Community Investment Funds worth Rs 500 crore under the DAY-NRLM scheme to Cluster Level Federations (CLFs). Symbolic cheques were handed to select CLF presidents, reinforcing efforts to strengthen rural livelihoods and community-based development.
The visit also saw the laying of foundation stones for multiple rail projects and the flagging off of new train services, aimed at enhancing rail connectivity across Bihar and facilitating smoother regional transportation networks.
With this visit, PM Modi not only emphasized the importance of strategic infrastructure and military preparedness but also reaffirmed the government’s focus on regional development, sustainable energy, and rural empowerment, signaling a comprehensive approach to inclusive growth in eastern India.