Makhana, Metro & Mega Plans – Can Bihar Finally Break the Cycle ?

The leading producer of makhana in India, Bihar accounts for more than 80% of India’s makhana production, and if you’ve even briefly ventured into the health and fitness side of the internet, you’re certainly aware of how nutritious makhana is. Bihar is also home to a good number of IAS officers of the country—a profession highly respected in India—yet the state continuously grapples with pre-conceived notions and deep-rooted stereotypes.

All set to transform this typical image of Bihar, PM Narendra Modi has carefully planned and partially implemented his vision for this culturally rich part of India.

A Vision for Growth: PM Modi’s Blueprint for Bihar

The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, along with the state’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, are on a mission to utilize the full potential of the state’s fertile land and untapped infrastructure potential.

In the budget for the year 2025, a Makhana Board has been proposed to support farmers growing this healthy snack, unlocking the state’s economic prowess. ₹1.5 lakh crores of interest-free capital expenditure has been allocated to strengthen transmission infrastructure, while multiple greenfield airports are among the many infrastructural developments planned for Bihar’s future.

On 20th June 2025, the Prime Minister inaugurated multiple development projects worth ₹5200 crores across Bihar, promising to transform regions like Siwan, Sasaram, Buxar, Motihari, Bettiah, and Arrah. This new wave of projects promises high employment opportunities for the youth and a boost in tourism.

Empowering Lives: Housing and Urban Transformation

The state is already witnessing the positive impact of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, a scheme aiming to provide affordable housing to low- and moderate-income Indians. Over 53,500 beneficiaries in Bihar are receiving approximately ₹540 crore directly into their bank accounts as the first installment.

Under AMRUT 2.0 (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation), 11 schemes related to water supply, sewerage, septage management, sewerage networks, and treatment plants are being laid for their foundation stone at a cost of approximately ₹200 crore.

Protecting the Ganga: Namami Gange Initiatives

To ensure the purity of River Ganga, six sewerage treatment plants are being inaugurated and four are being laid for their foundation stone under the Namami Gange Yojana, at a cost of over ₹2,600 crore.

Across all districts of Bihar, schemes for stormwater drainage, sewerage, and drain construction are being implemented under AMRUT 2.0. The overall budget for these projects stands at ₹8000 crores, demonstrating Bihar’s commitment to urban development.

Building Better Cities: Sanitation, Power, and Welfare

With a commitment to better sanitation and public welfare, Bihar is seeing the establishment of:

• An effective waste management system
• Smooth water supply
• Improved street lighting
• Traffic signal systems where necessary
• Cremation ground renovations
• A 500-megawatt per hour battery energy storage system for uninterrupted power supply

Strengthening Connectivity: Roads, Rail, and Air

This isn’t it—there’s more!

The vision includes Patna Metro, various greenfield airports, and a 29 km long railway line from Vaishali to Deoria. This line will provide easy access to Jain and Buddhist sites and is expected to boost tourism significantly.

The PM is also inaugurating the first Vande Bharat semi-high-speed train between Patliputra and Gorakhpur and a new train service between Vaishali and Deoria, strengthening rail connectivity and boosting economic activities in the region.

 A Decade of Transformation: Bihar’s Progress So Far

While the above focuses on what is yet to come, Bihar’s progress over the past 10–11 years is noteworthy:

✅ Construction of approximately 55,000 square kilometres of rural roads
✅ 1.5 crore homes provided with electricity and water connections
✅ Establishment of 45,000 Common Service Centres (offering essential services like Aadhar updates, birth/death certificate registrations, and finance-related assistance).

These initiatives have significantly increased public awareness and participation in social and economic matters.

Bihar Rising: From Heritage to Economic Powerhouse

With its rich cultural heritage, accelerating infrastructure development, and growing economic momentum, Bihar is poised to emerge as one of India’s most dynamic and robust states.

Sources:

1. https://www.business-standard.com/budget/news/budget-2025-highlights-income-tax-relief-bihar-ev-infra-gig-worker-capex-125020100716_1.html
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVzZ53MveAc
3. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2137954
4. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/eye-on-polls-bihars-rs-3-17-lakh-crore-budget-focuses-on-women-empowerment-farmers-infra/articleshow/118688589.cms?from=mdr