Nitish Kumar Promises Job Surge as PM Modi Unveils Development Projects in Bihar

Bihar's Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, pledged a significant boost in employment for the state's youth contingent upon the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) electoral victory. Speaking in Gaya, Kumar highlighted policy initiatives including increased pensions for the elderly, disabled, and widowed—now raised from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100—and the provision of free domestic electricity. In total, 1.12 crore individuals are poised to gain from these measures. He further announced that 39 lakh people have already secured jobs, with prospects for one crore more in the coming five years through new industrial developments bolstered by central support.

On the development front, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated multiple projects amounting to Rs 12,000 crore in Gaya today. Among these, the key upgrades included the four-lane Bakhtiyarpur to Mokama section of NH-31, an initiative valued at Rs 1,900 crore, expected to ease traffic congestion, slash travel times, and enhance the efficiency of both passenger and freight transport. Simultaneously, the conversion of NH-120 from Bikramganj to Dumraon into a two-lane roadway with paved shoulders is anticipated to improve rural connectivity and spur local economic activity.

Additionally, the Prime Minister unveiled the Aunta - Simaria bridge project on NH-31. This 8.15 km infrastructural endeavor, including a 1.86 km six-lane bridge over the Ganga, constructed at a cost exceeding Rs 1,870 crore, establishes a vital artery between Mokama in Patna and Begusarai. Built parallel to the dilapidated Rajendra Setu, this development is expected to relieve strain on the existing route, allowing for uninterrupted movement of heavy vehicles.

(With inputs from agencies.)