In a massive push for infrastructure development in eastern India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a slew of projects worth nearly ₹13,000 crore in Bihar's holy city of Gaya, now officially referred to as 'Gaya Ji'. Later in the day, the Prime Minister is scheduled to travel to Kolkata to unveil additional urban infrastructure projects valued at over ₹5,200 crore.
The day-long visit underscores the Central government's focus on enhancing connectivity, boosting tourism, and improving urban amenities in the region, with the Prime Minister addressing public gatherings in both states to highlight his government's development agenda.
Gaya Ji: A New Chapter of Development
The highlight of the Bihar leg of the visit was the inauguration of transformative projects aimed at positioning Gaya Ji as a key economic and spiritual hub. In his address, Prime Minister Modi congratulated the Bihar government for the decision to rename the city.
"Congratulations to the Bihar government for giving Gaya the name 'Gaya Ji'. This name has a divine feeling and a spiritual vibe. The double-engine government of Bihar is continuously working towards the rapid development of Gaya Ji," the Prime Minister stated.
He emphasized that the projects launched in a single day would strengthen local industries and create a wealth of new employment opportunities for the youth of the region.
Echoing the sentiment, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar highlighted the consistent development and improved law enforcement in the state since the NDA government took charge in 2005. He also reiterated the significance of the renaming of the city to Gaya Ji.
Boosting Connectivity and Tourism
A cornerstone of the new initiatives is the enhancement of rail infrastructure. PM Modi flagged off two significant train services from Gaya Junction:
The New Amrit Bharat Express: Connecting Gaya and Bengal's Malda Town, this modern train service is expected to significantly improve rail connectivity and comfort for passengers in the region.
The Buddhist Circuit Train: A dedicated train service designed to promote religious tourism by connecting key Buddhist pilgrimage sites, including Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, and Nalanda. This initiative is poised to attract more domestic and international tourists to the state.
The inaugurated projects span a wide spectrum, including road infrastructure, power supply enhancement, and urban development plans for Gaya, aimed at providing holistic growth to the city and its surrounding areas.
Evening Focus on Kolkata's Urban Revival
After his engagements in Bihar, the Prime Minister proceeded to Kolkata for the second part of his tour. Scheduled for the evening, the programme involves unveiling metro rail routes and other crucial urban infrastructure projects worth ₹5,200 crore.
These projects are aimed at decongesting the city of Kolkata, modernizing its public transport system, and improving the overall quality of life for its residents. The inauguration of new metro sections is expected to provide a faster, cleaner, and more efficient commute for thousands of Kolkatans.
Through this twin-state visit and the launch of projects cumulatively worth over ₹18,000 crore, the Central government has signalled a strong commitment to accelerating the development of eastern India, fostering economic growth, and creating new opportunities for its people.
Leave Your Comment