Infrastructure development is a vital aspect of any state’s growth and development. In the case of Bihar, a landlocked state located in eastern India, infrastructure development plays a crucial role in connecting the state with the rest of the country and facilitating trade and commerce. Bihar has been lagging behind in terms of infrastructure development for a long time, but in recent years, the government has been making concerted efforts to improve the state’s infrastructure. This article will explore the current state of infrastructure in Bihar and the initiatives taken by the government to boost infrastructure development.
Roadways and highways
Roadways and highways are a crucial part of any state’s infrastructure and play a significant role in its development. Bihar, one of the most populous states in India, has witnessed significant growth and development in recent years, and the state government has prioritized the development of roadways and highways as a part of its infrastructure development plan.
The roadways and highways in Bihar are mainly maintained by the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The NHAI is responsible for the construction and maintenance of the national highways passing through the state. As of 2021, Bihar has 5,732 kilometers of national highways, which connect major cities and towns in the state to the rest of the country.
Apart from national highways, the state government has also focused on the development of state highways, district roads, and rural roads. These roads connect remote areas of the state to the urban centers and have played a crucial role in the development of the state’s economy. The state government has launched several projects to improve and widen the existing road network, including the Bihar Rural Roads Development Agency (BRRDA) and the Mukhya Mantri Gram Sampark Yojana (MMGSY).
Despite the progress, there are still many challenges that need to be addressed. Bihar has a vast network of roads, but many of them are in poor condition, especially in rural areas. The state government needs to focus on improving the quality of these roads to ensure that they are safe and reliable for commuters. Additionally, road safety remains a major concern, and the government needs to take steps to reduce accidents and fatalities on the roads.
In conclusion, the development of roadways and highways in Bihar is crucial for the overall growth and development of the state’s economy. The state government’s efforts to improve and expand the road network are commendable, but there is still a long way to go. The government needs to continue to invest in improving the quality of roads and ensuring road safety to ensure that Bihar’s road network is safe, reliable, and efficient.
Railways
Railways have played a significant role in the development of India, connecting different parts of the country and enabling the movement of people and goods. In the context of Bihar, railways have played an important role in connecting the state to other parts of the country and contributing to its economic growth. Bihar is home to several important railway stations and rail routes, and the state government has taken various initiatives to improve the railways’ infrastructure and services.
Bihar is served by two major railway zones, the East Central Railway and the Northeast Frontier Railway. The East Central Railway has its headquarters in Hajipur and is responsible for managing the railways in Bihar and parts of Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh. The Northeast Frontier Railway covers parts of Bihar, West Bengal, and the Northeastern states of India. There are several important railway stations in Bihar, including Patna Junction, Gaya Junction, Muzaffarpur Junction, and Bhagalpur Junction, among others.
Railways are an important mode of transportation for people and goods in Bihar. They connect the state to other parts of the country, making it easier for people to travel and for goods to be transported. Railways also play a crucial role in the state’s economy, as they facilitate the movement of goods and contribute to the growth of industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and mining.
The Bihar government has taken several initiatives to improve the railways’ infrastructure and services in the state. In recent years, several railway projects have been completed or are under construction, such as the electrification of rail lines and the construction of new railway stations. The state government has also worked to improve the connectivity between different parts of the state through the railways, such as the establishment of new railway lines and the extension of existing lines.
The development of the railways in Bihar has also had a positive impact on tourism in the state. Bihar is home to several important pilgrimage sites, such as Bodh Gaya, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, and the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The railways make it easier for tourists to visit these sites and other places of interest in the state.
In conclusion, railways play a crucial role in the development of Bihar, connecting the state to other parts of the country and contributing to its economic growth. The Bihar government has taken several initiatives to improve the railways’ infrastructure and services, which have had a positive impact on people’s lives and the state’s economy. The development of railways in Bihar has also had a positive impact on tourism in the state, making it easier for tourists to visit the state’s important pilgrimage sites and other places of interest.
Airports
The state of Bihar, located in eastern India, has been undergoing significant infrastructural development in recent years. The government has prioritized the improvement of transportation networks, including roadways, railways, and airports, to enhance connectivity within and outside the state. Bihar has also taken initiatives to improve energy infrastructure to cater to the growing demand for electricity. In this article, we will discuss in detail the developments in the field of infrastructure, specifically airports, in Bihar.
Airports in Bihar: Bihar has four operational airports, namely Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport (Patna Airport), Gaya Airport, Darbhanga Airport, and Purnea Airport. Patna Airport, also known as Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport, is the largest and busiest airport in the state. It is located in the capital city of Patna and handles both domestic and international flights. The airport has a single terminal with a capacity to handle around 4.5 million passengers annually.
Gaya Airport, located in the city of Gaya, is an international airport and an important gateway for Buddhist pilgrims visiting the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya. The airport also serves as a base for Hajj pilgrims traveling to Mecca. The airport has a single terminal and handled around 1 million passengers in 2019.
Darbhanga Airport, located in the northern part of the state, is a domestic airport that was recently made operational after a gap of around eight years. The airport has a single terminal and operates flights to major cities in the country.
Purnea Airport, located in the northeastern part of the state, is a domestic airport that started operations in 2018. The airport has a single terminal and operates flights to major cities in the country.
Future Developments: The Bihar government has planned the development of several new airports in the state to enhance connectivity and boost economic growth. The government has already acquired land for the development of airports in Muzaffarpur, Jehanabad, and Bhagalpur. The proposed airport in Bhagalpur is expected to be operational by 2024 and will be built under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Apart from new airports, the government has also been working on the expansion and modernization of existing airports. The Patna Airport is undergoing a major expansion that includes the construction of a new terminal building and other associated infrastructure. The expansion is expected to increase the airport’s capacity to around 10 million passengers annually.
In conclusion, The development of airports in Bihar is a significant step towards enhancing connectivity within the state and with other parts of the country. The government’s efforts to expand and modernize existing airports and build new ones will not only benefit the people of Bihar but also boost economic growth by attracting investments and creating job opportunities. The state government’s focus on infrastructure development, including airports, is a positive step towards making Bihar a more developed and prosperous state.
Power and energy infrastructure
Power and energy infrastructure is an essential component for the development of any state or country. In Bihar, the government has been focusing on improving the power and energy infrastructure to support industrialization and urbanization. The state has been facing several challenges in terms of power supply and energy infrastructure, which are being addressed through various measures.
The power sector in Bihar is dominated by the state-owned Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited (BSPHCL), which is responsible for the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity in the state. The state has a total installed capacity of 4,602 MW, out of which thermal power accounts for 3,478 MW, hydro power accounts for 180 MW, and renewable energy sources account for 944 MW.
One of the major challenges in the power sector in Bihar is the inadequate power supply, which is a result of a lack of investment in the sector over the years. To address this issue, the state government has been taking several measures such as increasing the capacity of existing power plants, setting up new power plants, and improving transmission and distribution infrastructure.
The state government has also been promoting the use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. Bihar has a huge potential for solar power generation, with an estimated potential of 10,000 MW. The state government has set a target of generating 3,000 MW of solar power by 2022.
In addition to power, the state government has also been focusing on improving the energy infrastructure in Bihar. The government has been promoting the use of LPG and natural gas as an alternative to traditional fuels such as coal and wood. The government has also been working on improving the distribution network for LPG and natural gas.
One of the major initiatives taken by the state government to improve the energy infrastructure in Bihar is the Har Ghar Bijli Yojana (Every Home Electricity Scheme). The scheme aims to provide electricity to all households in the state by 2022. Under the scheme, the government is providing free electricity connections to households below the poverty line and subsidized connections to other households.
The state government has also been working on improving the infrastructure for transmission and distribution of power and energy. The government has been setting up new substations and upgrading the existing ones to improve the quality of power supply.
In conclusion, the power and energy infrastructure in Bihar has been facing several challenges, which are being addressed through various measures by the state government. The government has been focusing on increasing the capacity of existing power plants, setting up new power plants, and promoting the use of renewable energy sources. The government has also been working on improving the distribution network for LPG and natural gas and providing electricity to all households in the state. These initiatives are expected to boost industrialization and urbanization in the state and improve the quality of life of the people of Bihar.
