PM Modi to Launch Major Development Projects in Gaya
Prime Minister's Visit to Gaya
On Friday, August 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Gaya, where he will inaugurate six significant projects, including the state's inaugural six-lane bridge over the Ganges. Additionally, he will lay the foundation stones for eight other development initiatives, collectively valued at ₹13,000 crore.
Details of the Inaugurated Projects
During his visit, the Prime Minister will unveil various projects, such as the six-lane Aunta-Simaria bridge, the four-lane Bakhtiyarpur-Mokama section of NH 31, the 660 MW Buxar Thermal Power Plant, and the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre. He will also oversee the implementation of sewerage networks and STP projects in Munger, along with the two-lane Bikramganj-Dawath-Nawanagar-Dumrao road. Furthermore, he will flag off the Amrit Bharat train and a train connecting the Buddhist circuit.
Foundation Stones for New Projects
The Prime Minister will lay the groundwork for eight additional projects worth ₹1,257 crore. These include STP and sewerage networks in Daudnagar and Aurangabad, as well as STPs in Barahiya (Lakhisarai) and Jamui, along with water supply schemes in Aurangabad, Bodhgaya, and Jehanabad.
PM Modi's Vision for Development
In a post on X, PM Modi expressed, "On August 22, I will be in Bihar and West Bengal for various programs aimed at enhancing the development trajectories of these states. These initiatives will promote commerce, connectivity, and improve the 'Ease of Living.'" He emphasized the significance of the projects, stating that they would collectively amount to over ₹13,000 crore.
Health Infrastructure Boost
The inauguration of the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre is expected to significantly enhance health infrastructure for the residents of Bihar.
New Train Services
PM Modi also highlighted the importance of the two trains being launched, namely the Amrit Bharat Express connecting Gaya and Delhi, and the Buddhist Circuit Train linking Vaishali and Koderma. The latter will facilitate travel between key locations associated with Lord Buddha in Bihar and Jharkhand.
Six-Lane Aunta-Simaria Bridge Over Ganges
The six-lane Aunta-Simaria bridge, constructed using an expansion cable technique, spans 8.15 km and has been built at a cost exceeding ₹1,870 crore. This bridge will significantly improve connectivity and reduce travel times.
Bridge Specifications
Starting from Simaria dham, a renowned pilgrimage site in Begusarai district, the bridge runs parallel to the rail-cum-road bridge Rajendra Setu. Notably, this bridge is the widest in the region, measuring 34 meters compared to the standard width of 29.5 meters, allowing for increased vehicle traffic. The bridge's length over the Ganges is 1.86 km, effectively shortening the distance between northern and southern Bihar by 100 km.
Bridges Over the Ganges Since 2005
Prior to 2005, Bihar had only four major bridges over the Ganges. Since then, 14 additional bridges have been constructed, including a two-lane bridge parallel to the Veer Kuer Singh Setu in Buxar, a two-lane rail-cum-road JP Setu in Patna, and a four-lane Ara-Chhapra bridge.