Patna, July 25: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Saturday unveiled an ambitious development roadmap for the state, announcing plans to establish 25 sugar mills over the next five years, attract ₹5 lakh crore in investments and set up at least one major industry in every district.
The announcements were made during the state-level ‘Vikas Utsav’ held at the BIT Mesra campus in Patna to mark 100 days of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. On the occasion, the Chief Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 2,476 development projects worth ₹11,464 crore.
Addressing the gathering, Choudhary said the government aims to revive Bihar’s sugar industry by establishing 25 sugar mills over the next five years to strengthen the sector and improve farmers’ incomes.
“The Bihar government aims to establish 25 sugar mills over the next five years to strengthen the sugar sector and improve farmers’ incomes,” he said, adding that work on the Sakri, Raiyam and Sasamusa sugar mills would begin this year. He noted that the proposal was based on a suggestion by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah.
The Chief Minister said the government has set a target of attracting ₹5 lakh crore in investments by November 20, when the NDA government completes one year in office. He added that at least one major industry would be established in every district, with land for industrial projects to be provided through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
As part of the industrial expansion strategy, Choudhary announced plans to develop an electronics manufacturing hub at Rajapakar in Vaishali district, which is expected to attract investments of ₹20,000-30,000 crore and generate around one lakh employment opportunities. He also said a proposal is being prepared to establish a steel plant under the Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC) in Gaya.
The Chief Minister further announced that Patna’s Marine Drive would be extended to 200 kilometres under the PPP model, a project expected to attract investments of nearly ₹1 lakh crore. He clarified that toll charges would be applicable only to commercial vehicles and commercial users.
“Patna’s Marine Drive will be extended to 200 km through the PPP model, with toll applicable only to commercial vehicles and commercial users,” Choudhary said.
On the healthcare front, the Chief Minister inaugurated a 400-bed orthopaedic and neuro super-specialty hospital at LNJP Hospital in Patna, constructed at a cost of ₹215 crore. The facility includes advanced operation theatres, intensive care units, trauma care, radiology services, physiotherapy and round-the-clock emergency services.
Choudhary also announced that from August 15, district and sub-divisional hospitals would not be allowed to refer patients suffering from common ailments to higher medical centres without valid reasons. He warned that action would be taken against officials responsible for unnecessary referrals and said the government would expand nursing and paramedical education while exploring the establishment of Ayurvedic medical institutions through the PPP model.
The Chief Minister said Bihar was also working on the Bagmati-Burhi Gandak river-linking project and plans to develop industrial corridors and modern townships along the Ganga, Gandak and Kosi rivers to accelerate long-term economic growth.
The state government also released a booklet highlighting its achievements during the first 100 days in office under the theme “Service, Resolve and Dedication” and flagged off publicity vehicles to create awareness about government welfare and development schemes across Bihar.
