PM Modi to inaugurate Rs 36,000 cr projects in Bihar, attend key defence meet in Kolkata: What’s on agenda

PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a high-profile visit to West Bengal and Bihar on Monday, where he is inaugurating major infrastructure and development projects aimed at strengthening India’s defence preparedness, regional connectivity, and economic growth.

Kolkata: Commanders’ Conference inauguration

Modi began his day in Kolkata, inaugurating the 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference-2025 at 9:30 a.m. The three-day event, running from September 15 to 17, brings together India’s top military leadership and senior civilian officials.

This year’s theme, “Year of Reforms – Transforming for the Future”, highlights the government’s focus on long-term transformation and modernisation of India’s armed forces.

Bihar: Rs 36,000 crore development projects

Later in the day, the Prime Minister will reach Purnea in poll-bound Bihar, where he will inaugurate the new Interim Terminal Building of the New Civil Enclave at Purnea Airport, boosting air connectivity and passenger capacity in northeastern Bihar.

He will also launch and lay foundation stones for projects worth around Rs 36,000 crore. The biggest among them is Bihar’s largest private-sector investment — a 3x800 MW Thermal Power Project at Pirpainti in Bhagalpur, valued at Rs 25,000 crore. The project, based on ultra-super critical low-emission technology, is expected to significantly bolster the state’s energy security.

Irrigation, agriculture, and makhana push

The Prime Minister will launch Phase 1 of the Rs 2,680 crore Kosi-Mechi Intra-State River Link Project to enhance irrigation, flood control, and agriculture in northeastern Bihar.

Another key announcement is the launch of the National Makhana Board, recognising Bihar’s nearly 90 per cent share in India’s makhana production. The board will focus on production, technology adoption, value addition, marketing, and exports to put Bihar’s makhana on the global map.

Rail and rural empowerment initiatives

Modi will distribute Rs 500 crore in Community Investment Funds to Cluster Level Federations under the DAY-NRLM scheme, aimed at empowering rural communities. Symbolic cheques will be handed to CLF presidents during the event.

He will also lay the foundation stones for multiple rail projects and flag off new train services, further boosting connectivity across Bihar.