PM Modi Inaugurates ₹13,480 Crore Development Projects in Bihar on Panchayati Raj Day; Vows Justice for Pahalgam Attack Victims

Madhubani, Bihar: On the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated, laid the foundation stone, and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth over ₹13,480 crore in Madhubani, Bihar. These projects span key sectors including electricity, railways, healthcare, and rural infrastructure, aimed at boosting Bihar’s development and creating new employment opportunities.

The Prime Minister began the event by urging the gathering to observe a moment of silence in memory of those killed in the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, 2025. Describing it as an assault on India’s soul, he assured the nation that “every terrorist, their handler, and their backers will be punished.” He affirmed, “India’s spirit will never be broken by terrorism. The willpower of 140 crore Indians will break the backbone of the perpetrators of terror.”

Addressing the gathering, Modi emphasized the importance of village empowerment as the foundation of national development, aligning with Mahatma Gandhi’s vision. “Over the last decade, more than 2 lakh Gram Panchayats have been connected to the internet, and over 5.5 lakh Common Service Centers established,” he noted. He highlighted digitization as a transformative force, making services like land records and certificates easily accessible at the village level.

He announced that 30,000 new Panchayat Bhawans have been built, and over ₹2 lakh crore has been allocated to Panchayats in the last 10 years. Modi also emphasized resolving land disputes through the digitization of land records.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to social justice and gender equality, PM Modi praised Bihar for pioneering 50% reservation for women in Panchayats. “Today, women from economically weaker sections, Dalits, Mahadalits, and backward communities are playing leadership roles in local governance,” he said.

He spoke at length about Jeevika Didis—women self-help group members—who have received nearly ₹1,000 crore in financial support, helping them become economically independent. “Our mission is to create 3 crore Lakhpati Didis across India,” he declared.

The Prime Minister highlighted that over 4 crore permanent houses have been built under PM Awas Yojana, with 57 lakh beneficiaries in Bihar alone. He announced that 3 crore more houses will be provided in the coming years, and today alone, 15 lakh families across India, including 1.5 lakh in Bihar, are moving into their new homes.

On healthcare, PM Modi mentioned the establishment of over 1.5 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, including 10,000 in Bihar, and 800 Jan Aushadhi Kendras in the state, collectively saving citizens ₹2,000 crore in medical expenses. He also announced AIIMS Darbhanga and a new medical college in Jhanjharpur, marking a significant expansion of healthcare infrastructure in the region.

Calling the past decade a “decade of infrastructure,” Modi announced major investments in roads, railways, and air connectivity. He launched the ‘Namo Bharat Rapid Rail’ service between Patna and Jaynagar and announced the commencement of the Amrit Bharat Train between Saharsa and Mumbai. He also highlighted the modernization of Madhubani and Jhanjharpur railway stations, and improvements in Darbhanga and Patna airports.

More than 12 crore rural households have received tap water connections, over 2.5 crore homes electrified, and gas connections made widely available, he noted.

Focusing on the agricultural backbone of Bihar, the Prime Minister announced an investment of ₹11,000 crore to combat floods in Mithila and Kosi regions. This includes dam construction on rivers like Bagmati and Kosi, and new canal systems for irrigation.

Shri Modi also celebrated the recognition of Makhana as a GI-tagged superfood, noting that a Makhana Board and national-level Makhana Research Centre will boost global outreach and benefit farmers. He added that the state is also progressing in fisheries, with fisherfolk gaining access to the Kisan Credit Card and benefitting from the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana.

In a strong message on national security, PM Modi reiterated, “India will pursue terrorists to the ends of the earth. Terrorism will not go unpunished.” He thanked global leaders who stood by India following the Pahalgam attack, affirming that peace and security are essential for development.

“A developed Bihar is essential for a developed India,” the Prime Minister asserted, concluding his speech with a call to take development to every corner of the state.