CM Samrat Choudhary highlights Centre, Bihar govt initiatives to boost connectivity, irrigation and development

Patna (Bihar) [India], August 19 (ANI): Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Wednesday highlighted a series of Centre and state government initiatives aimed at boosting road connectivity, defence self-reliance, irrigation, agriculture, storage infrastructure and technology in Bihar.
Choudhary welcomed the Union Cabinet's approval for upgrading the 82.578-km Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa section of NH-22 to four-lane standards.
He said the project will boost connectivity, transportation and business activities in North Bihar.
The chief minister also said the project marks "another key milestone to accelerate Bihar's development" and will bring new momentum to connectivity, transportation and business activities in the region.
The Bihar CM said, "Another key milestone to accelerate Bihar's development. The Central Cabinet's approval to upgrade the 82.578 km Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa section to 4-lane standards will bring new momentum to connectivity, transportation, and business activities in North Bihar."
"This ₹3,590.73 crore project will strengthen the region's development and ensure better road facilities for the people. Heartfelt thanks and congratulations to the esteemed Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji for his continuous support in realising the vision of 'Viksit Bihar' and gifting the state modern road connectivity," the CM further said.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the upgradation of the Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa section of NH-22 to four-lane standards.
According to the CCEA, the project will be developed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) at a total capital cost of Rs 3,590.73 crore and will cover a total length of 82.578 km.
The Chief Minister also welcomed the Centre's decision to indigenise 405 strategic defence equipment items, saying the move will strengthen India's defence capabilities and give a boost to domestic industries and MSMEs.
"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, India is consistently taking strong steps towards elevating self-reliance in the defense sector to new heights. The decision to indigenize 405 strategic defence equipment items is a testament to the resolve of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the success of 'Make in India'," CM said.
"The manufacturing of equipment related to Tejas, ALH, tanks, warships, and missiles within the country will strengthen our strategic power and give new momentum to Indian industry and MSMEs. India is now rapidly advancing towards becoming a global defence power in the defence sector," he added.
The Chief Minister also welcomed the approval of an in-principle proposal to develop a 336-km, six-lane, fully access-controlled greenfield expressway connecting Buxar and Bhagalpur via Arwal, Nalanda, Jamui, Jehanabad and other districts.
"A major step towards giving new momentum to road connectivity in Bihar. Approval for the in-principle proposal to develop the Buxar-Bhagalpur 6-lane highway via Arwal, Nalanda, Jamui, Jehanabad and other districts Fully Access Controlled Greenfield Expressway (total length 336 km) through BSRDCL on a PPP (DBFOT Toll) model," the CM said.
Further, he announced a revised administrative approval of Rs 305.60 crore for installing 11,000 private tube wells in the state during 2026-27 under the "Chief Minister Private Tube Well Scheme", saying the move will help ensure water access to every field.
"Another significant step towards ensuring water access to every field in Bihar. Under the "Chief Minister Private Tube Well Scheme," a revised administrative approval of ₹305.60 crore has been granted for the installation of 11,000 private tube wells in the year 2026-27," he said.
The chief minister said new possibilities are emerging in artificial intelligence in the state as approval has been granted for an MoU between Taiyo AI India Private Limited and the Bihar Department of Information Technology to develop the AI ecosystem in Bihar.
"New possibilities are opening up in the field of artificial intelligence in Bihar. Approval has been granted for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Taiyo AI India Private Limited and the Department of Information Technology, Bihar, Patna, for the development of the AI ecosystem in the state. A significant initiative towards preparing Bihar for the future through technology, innovation, and AI," the CM said.
He said administrative and expenditure approval of Rs 35.82 crore has been granted for restoration of Katihar Distributary and its related sub-distributaries and canal systems, a move aimed at improving irrigation facilities and benefiting farmers.
"A significant step towards further strengthening the irrigation system in Bihar. Administrative and expenditure approval of ₹35.82 crore has been granted for the restoration work of Katihar Distributary, Phoolpur, Hasanganj, Baijnathpur, and Semapur sub-distributaries under the Irrigation Division, Katihar, along with the related canal systems. Farmers will benefit from the improved irrigation system, and agriculture will gain new strength," CM Choudhary said.
He said approval has been granted for a scheme to construct warehouses with a total storage capacity of 48,200 metric tonnes in the state during 2026-27, with Rs 34.95 crore allocated to 52 selected committees as 50 per cent grant and 50 per cent revolving capital.
"A major step towards strengthening the cooperative sector in Bihar. Approval for the scheme to construct warehouses of 200, 500, and 1,000 metric ton capacities to create 48,200 metric tons of storage capacity in the financial year 2026-27. Approval of a total of ₹34.95 crore to 52 selected committees as 50% grant and 50% revolving capital," the chief minister said.
The Bihar Chief Minister said approval has been granted for a Rs 63.92 crore "Breed Improvement Scheme" to increase milk production and animal productivity in the state, along with Rs 30.35 crore for restoration of the Janakinagar branch canal and associated canal systems.
"The Department of Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources has approved the "Breed Improvement Scheme" through COMFED, Patna, at an estimated cost of ₹63.92 crore in the financial year 2026-27 to increase milk production and animal productivity in the state," CM said.
"Administrative and expenditure approval of ₹30.35 crore has been granted for the restoration work of the Janakinagar branch canal under the Narpatganj Irrigation Division and the associated canal systems," the post read. (ANI)