The Centre has unveiled 17 infrastructure projects developed by the Network Planning Group (NPG) that will either be situated in Bihar or pass through the state. Among these is an integrated manufacturing cluster (IMC) to be established in Gaya as part of the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC) project. E Srinivas, joint secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industrial and Internal Trade (DPIIT), informed reporters that the NPG reviewed a total of 213 projects, with 17 confirmed for Bihar. The Gaya IMC has also been evaluated as part of this process. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman referenced the Gaya IMC during her 2024-25 budget speech in the Lok Sabha following the parliamentary elections. The DPIIT, connected to the Union commerce and industry ministry, is responsible for formulating and implementing initiatives for the industrial sector. Srinivas spoke to reporters after a one-day workshop focused on the area development approach (ADA) under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP). The Patna workshop, attended by district magistrates (DMs) from 44 districts across Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal, was the fourth in a series aimed at over 100 districts nationwide. “The workshop aimed to educate DMs on the district-level area development approach, utilizing geo-spatial information system (GIS) mapping for efficient compliance with environmental and forest clearances, facilitating integrated infrastructure planning and economic activities,” Srinivas explained. With the launch of the PM Gati Shakti portal, all 38 districts in Bihar have submitted area-specific data on economic activities, further enriching the platform with additional information linked to 16 Union ministries. During the workshop, the Katihar DM identified suitable sites for industrial clusters and multi-modal connectivity, emphasizing the potential for processing units for makhana, maize, and jute near the Manihari national highway. Other DMs also presented their findings. In his inaugural address, State Industries Minister Nitish Mishra underscored the significance of data, particularly from GIS mapping, for effective project planning and implementation. Industries Department Secretary Bandana Preyashi noted that the PM Gati Shakti portal enhances the efficiency of clearance processes.