Purnia Airport inauguration 2025 by PM Modi marks the launch of ₹36,000 crore Bihar projects including Pirpainti thermal power plant, Kosi-Mechi river link, and National Makhana Board for exam-relevant current affairs.
PM Modi Inaugurates Purnia Airport and Launches Rs 36,000 Crore Projects in Bihar
New Terminal Inauguration at Purnia Airport
Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally inaugurated the interim terminal building at Purnia Airport (Civil Enclave) in Bihar, marking a major step in improving air connectivity in the northeastern region of the state. The inauguration took place amidst a large gathering including state officials such as Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Sinha and Samrat Choudhary, and other dignitaries.
Launch of Development Projects Worth ~₹36,000 Crore
Alongside the airport inauguration, the PM launched multiple developmental projects in Bihar worth approximately ₹36,000 crore. These cover a broad range of sectors including energy, railways, infrastructure, irrigation, housing, and agriculture.
Major Energy Investment: Pirpainti Thermal Power Plant
A key component of these projects is a 3×800 MW thermal power plant at Pirpainti in Bhagalpur. Valued at about ₹25,000 crore, this is one of the largest private sector investments in Bihar. The plant will employ ultra-supercritical, low-emission technology to strengthen the state’s power supply and address energy deficits.
Rail, Airport, and Connectivity Enhancements
In addition to the airport terminal, projects include new railway lines such as the Bikramshila-Katareah line (₹2,170 crore) and the Arariya-Galgalia railway link (₹4,410 crore) to improve connectivity across the Ganga and in northeastern Bihar. Also flagged off was the first flight on the Purnia-Kolkata route.
Water, Agriculture & Rural Infrastructure Projects
Other significant launches include:
- The Phase 1 of the Kosi-Mechi Intra-State River Link Project (₹2,680 crore), meant for canal upgrading, desilting, reconstruction etc., to boost irrigation and manage flood-risks.
- The establishment of a National Makhana Board aimed at boosting Bihar’s makhana (foxnut) industry, covering technology support, market linkages, post-harvest handling & exports.
- Housing and rural development: under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (Gramin & Urban), keys handed over to thousands of beneficiaries; funds under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–NRLM for rural livelihoods.
Why This News Is Important
Boost to Regional Connectivity and Economy
This initiative is especially significant for northeastern Bihar (Seemanchal region), which has historically lagged behind in air and rail connectivity. The airport terminal and new flight routes will reduce travel time, improve access to larger cities, and likely promote tourism, trade, and investment.
Addressing Energy Needs & Industrial Growth
The ₹25,000-crore thermal power plant at Pirpainti will help in addressing the power deficit, supporting industrial activity, and ensuring more reliable electricity supply, which is essential for both urban and rural development.
Agricultural & Rural Upliftment
With the launch of the National Makhana Board and the river-linking/infrastructure projects, the news underscores the government’s push to strengthen agricultural incomes, improve irrigation and reduce risks of floods—a critical concern for Bihar.
Political and Governance Implications
Given Bihar is a politically sensitive state, such large-scale investment announcements and infrastructure inaugurations carry weight in both governance performance metrics and electoral perception. These projects reflect government priorities and could influence public sentiment.
Alignment with National Development Goals
The projects feed into broader national goals such as Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), improved rural infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, energy security, and enhancing connectivity (rail/airport). For exam aspirants, this is a clear example of how policies and schemes are being operationalized.
Historical Context
Bihar’s Connectivity & Development Challenges
Historically, Bihar has faced infrastructural challenges: poor connectivity (road, rail, air), frequent flooding, low industrialization, and agricultural vulnerabilities. Regions like Seemanchal have often been underserved in terms of public infrastructure.
UDAN Scheme & Civil Enclave Projects
The Government of India’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme aims to boost regional air connectivity by developing underserved airports. Purnia airport’s interim terminal and civil enclave are part of efforts under this broader policy push.
Prior Investments & Political Promises in Bihar
Over past years, Bihar has seen multiple infrastructure and power projects being proposed, foundation stones laid, but execution has sometimes lagged. Recent governments have emphasized infrastructure as a lever to reduce migration, stimulate local employment, and improve living standards.
Environmental & Technological Considerations in Power Projects
The use of “ultra-supercritical, low-emission” technology for the thermal plant reflects a shift (or pressure) towards cleaner coal power technology, acknowledging environmental concerns and climate change obligations.
Key Takeaways from “Projects Launched in Purnia, Bihar”
| S. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | ~₹36,000 crore worth of development projects launched in Bihar by PM Modi. |
| 2 | Inauguration of interim terminal building at Purnia Airport, boosting regional air connectivity. |
| 3 | Major energy investment: 3×800 MW thermal power plant in Pirpainti (Bhagalpur) worth ~₹25,000 crore using low-emission technology. |
| 4 | Connectivity improvements via new railway lines (Bikramshila-Katareah; Arariya-Galgalia) and launch of new train/flight routes. |
| 5 | Focus on agriculture, rural development and housing: National Makhana Board; Kosi-Mechi river link (irrigation, flood control); Pradhan Mantri Awaas, rural livelihood schemes. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. When was the Purnia Airport interim terminal inaugurated?
The interim terminal at Purnia Airport was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2025.
2. How much investment was launched by PM Modi in Bihar during this visit?
Projects worth approximately ₹36,000 crore were launched covering energy, railways, irrigation, housing, and agriculture.
3. What is the capacity of the Pirpainti thermal power plant?
The Pirpainti power plant in Bhagalpur is a 3×800 MW thermal power project, using ultra-supercritical, low-emission technology.
4. Which new railway lines were announced in Bihar?
The Bikramshila-Katareah railway line (₹2,170 crore) and Arariya-Galgalia railway line (₹4,410 crore) were announced to improve connectivity.
5. What is the purpose of the National Makhana Board?
It aims to promote Bihar’s makhana industry, providing technology support, market linkages, post-harvest management, and export opportunities.
6. Which river-linking project was launched in Bihar?
Phase 1 of the Kosi-Mechi Intra-State River Link Project was launched with a budget of ₹2,680 crore to enhance irrigation and manage flood risks.
7. How does this development help in regional economic growth?
Improved air and rail connectivity, reliable power supply, and agricultural & rural infrastructure development are expected to boost trade, tourism, and livelihoods.
8. Under which government scheme were rural housing and livelihood projects funded?
Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (Gramin & Urban) and Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–NRLM funded rural housing and livelihood initiatives.
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