Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth over Rs 135 billion during his visit to Madhubani, Bihar, aiming to strengthen the state’s infrastructure and public services. Modi, who arrived around 11:45 am, also participated in the National Panchayati Raj Day programme and presented national awards to outstanding village councils, ANI reported. Among the major announcements, he laid the foundation stone for a new LPG bottling plant at Hathua in Gopalganj district, valued at around Rs 3.4 billion. The plant will feature a rail unloading unit and is expected to significantly improve LPG logistics in the region. The energy sector got a major push with the launch of new power projects worth Rs 11.7 billion and the inauguration of others valued at over Rs 50.3 billion under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme. Rail infrastructure saw major upgrades too. Modi flagged off several trains, including the Amrit Bharat Express from Saharsa to Mumbai and the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail between Jaynagar and Patna. New services on the Pipra–Saharsa and Saharsa–Samastipur routes were also flagged off. Other rail projects inaugurated include the Supaul–Pipra and Hasanpur–Bithan lines, two two-lane rail overbridges in Chapra and Bagaha, and the Khagaria–Alauli line — all aimed at boosting connectivity and logistics efficiency. On the rural development front, Modi announced Rs 9.3 billion in benefits for over 2 lakh self-help groups under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). Housing support was also a key focus. Modi distributed approval letters to 1.5 million new beneficiaries of PMAY-Gramin and released instalments for 1 million existing recipients. Keys to new homes were handed over to 1 lakh families under PMAY-G and 54,000 families under PMAY-U. Highlighting the expansion of indigenous rapid transit, Dilip Kumar, executive director for information and publicity, said the second Namo Bharat Rapid Rail train — a fully air-conditioned, 18-coach service with over 2,000 seating capacity — will run on the Jaynagar–Patna route. No reservations will be needed for this service. Meanwhile, security was tightened across Bihar following a recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Extra vigilance was maintained along the India–Nepal border, and heightened checks were conducted at public places like stations, markets, and religious sites.Image source:biharconnect