Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 52 billion in Siwan, Bihar, as part of a major infrastructure and welfare drive. The event included key initiatives across railways, water supply, sanitation, sewage treatment, energy storage, and housing, marking a significant milestone in Bihar’s growth trajectory.Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister paid homage to local icons and lauded Bihar's legacy in India's democratic and constitutional foundations. He said Siwan, known for its contributions to the freedom movement, continues to inspire the nation.Mr Modi said these new projects would benefit not just Siwan, but regions including Sasaram, Buxar, Motihari, Bettiah, and Arrah, improving the lives of the poor, backward, and marginalised communities. He congratulated the people of Bihar and highlighted the role of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s leadership in steering the state’s development.Among the key announcements was the inauguration of the Vaishali–Deoria railway line project worth over Rs 4 billion and the flagging off of the Patliputra–Gorakhpur Vande Bharat Express. He also inaugurated six Sewage Treatment Plants under the Namami Gange mission valued at Rs 18 billion and laid the foundation for Rs 30 billion worth of water and sanitation projects across Bihar towns.In a major industrial achievement, Mr Modi flagged off the first export-bound locomotive built at the Marhowra Plant for shipment to Guinea in Africa. He said this marked Bihar’s entry into the global manufacturing map, with the state poised to become a significant centre for 'Made in India' exports.A 500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System is also being developed across 15 substations in Bihar to help stabilise electricity supply and reduce costs. These standalone units, each with capacities between 20 and 80 MWh, will improve power reliability and ease the burden on local distribution companies.Speaking on poverty alleviation, Mr Modi said 25 crore Indians have been lifted out of poverty over the past decade. In Bihar alone, nearly four crore people have overcome poverty, supported by extensive infrastructure and welfare schemes. He highlighted that over 57 lakh pucca houses have been built in Bihar under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), with over 1.1 lakh homes in Siwan. During the event, he released the first instalment to over 53,600 PMAY beneficiaries and handed keys to a few as part of the Grih Pravesh Ceremony.Mr Modi also praised the people of Bihar for overcoming years of misrule and lawlessness and stressed that the state’s development must not be derailed by those who once exploited it. He said the youth of Bihar are now shaping its future, with new startups emerging even in small towns, backed by the creation of over 45,000 Common Service Centres.Highlighting past neglect, he criticised previous governments for corruption, red tape, and deprivation, especially for Dalits, Mahadalits, and backward communities. He contrasted this with the BJP’s governance model focused on direct benefits, modern infrastructure, and inclusive growth.He took pride in Bihar’s contribution to India's manufacturing strength, citing the locomotive factory in Saran as an example. Products made in Bihar, from makhana and fruits to heavy machinery, are now gaining global traction, he noted.Culturally, he announced that the Vande Bharat Express would now connect Baba Hariharnath’s land with Baba Gorakhnath’s, providing fast and modern transport options for pilgrims and tourists, including to Lord Buddha’s sites like Kushinagar.Concluding, the Prime Minister said the launchpad for Bihar’s rapid progress has been built and expressed confidence that the alliance government, under Nitish Kumar’s leadership, will take Bihar to new heights. He called on the youth to lead the transformation and make Bihar a powerful engine of a developed India.Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and Union Ministers Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Giriraj Singh, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Chirag Paswan, and others were present at the event.