Government will provide all possible cooperation to industrialists: Samrat

Patna, October 1: (ABN) Chief Minister Smriti Choudhary stated that Bihar is fully prepared for investment and that essential infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and water, is being rapidly strengthened to promote industrial growth in the state. The government aims to create extensive opportunities for investment and employment to reduce the migration of people to other states in search of jobs. The “Rising Bihar Investor Summit-2026,” held at Taj City Center in Patna, was jointly inaugurated by Chief Minister Smriti Choudhary, Union Minister for Road, Transport, and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Industry Shreela Singh, and Minister of Road Construction Kumar Shilendra. Addressing the inaugural session, the Chief Minister appealed to industrialists and investors to invest in Bihar, assuring that the state government will provide all possible facilities and cooperation to investors. He noted that Bihar’s population of 140 million is a large market that should be viewed as an economic strength rather than a burden.

Referring to Bihar’s historical and cultural heritage, the Chief Minister said that the glorious history of Nalanda, Vikramshila, Magadha, and Pataliputra defines the state’s identity. The historical legacy associated with Lord Buddha, Lord Mahavira, and Guru Gobind Singh is also part of the state’s great civilizational identity. He stated that Bihar has historically been a major center for learning, culture, and economic activities. He emphasized that roads, electricity, and water are fundamental requirements for establishing industries. The state’s road network has been expanded, and work is ongoing on national highway and expressway projects.

Smriti Choudhary noted that in 2005, electricity availability in Bihar was merely 500 megawatts, which has now increased to over 10,000 megawatts. The government’s target is to increase electricity availability to 20,000 megawatts in the next five years. The capacity for electricity generation, transmission, and supply is being further strengthened. He revealed that the state’s road network has grown from approximately 8,000 kilometers to 150,000 kilometers, with significant improvements also seen in the condition of rural roads.

The Chief Minister highlighted the issues of flooding and water management in Bihar, stating that the state faces annual floods due to water coming from Nepal and neighboring states. Long-term planning is necessary for the better management of major rivers, including the Ganga, Kosi, and Gandak. He said that opportunities for industrial corridors, townships, and other developmental activities can be explored in the Kosi region. Better management of water resources can benefit the industrial, agricultural, and tourism sectors. Referring to drought conditions in southern Bihar, he stated that the government is also working towards using Ganga water for drinking and irrigation when needed.

The Chief Minister informed that the state has formulated its first sand policy for the first time. Sand and soil extracted from rivers will be used for road construction and other developmental works, which will help reduce construction costs. He also mentioned the plan to connect agricultural feeders to solar energy, noting that this will provide farmers with ample electricity during the day and help reduce the burden of electricity subsidies.

Assuring investors, the Chief Minister said that products manufactured by industries established in Bihar will be given priority in government procurement if they meet the prescribed standards. He stated that the government is working towards procuring 25 percent of products from local industries and will also make efforts to provide markets for their products. He added that the government procurement policy is also being amended to provide further facilities to industries in the state. There are extensive investment opportunities in the hotel, tourism, and ecotourism sectors. Tourism projects are being promoted in various locations, including Patna and Gaya.

The Chief Minister said that work is also ongoing on modern projects such as ropeways and water transport in Bihar. He revealed that efforts are being made to initiate the ropeway project from Patna across the Ganga to the Baba Bhrigu Har Nath Temple in Sonpur. He stated that the government is continuously working to make Bihar prosperous by promoting infrastructure, industry, and employment. He urged investors to invest in Bihar by having faith in the state’s potential and capabilities.

Union Minister for Road, Transport, and Highways Nitin Gadkari said that developmental work is being carried out in Bihar under the leadership of Chief Minister Smriti Choudhary. He stated that the central government will fully cooperate in the development of Bihar, and the mutual cooperation between the center and the state will further accelerate the development of roads and other infrastructure.