Resurgence in Bihar: Double Engine Growth Restoring Cultural and Economic Glory

Bihar is a state with an invaluable history and cultural legacy, making it a cornerstone of Indian heritage. This sacred land is the birthplace of Mother Sita, the karma-bhumi (workplace) of Chanakya, and the origin of great figures like the 24th Jain Tirthankara, Mahavir Swami (Vaishali). It is the place where Guru Gobind Singh Ji was born and where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment in Gaya.

Bihar’s glory is extensive; it was the center for the establishment of the Mauryan Empire by Chandragupta Maurya in Pataliputra (Patna). It gave birth to revered scholars and poets, including Aryabhatta, Vidyapati Ji, and Rashtrakavi Dinkar. Global institutions like the ancient universities of Nalanda and Vikramshila were once beacons of innovation and learning here.

This state contributed the nation’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, and was the platform for movements led by freedom fighter Kunwar Singh (1857) and social reformer Jayaprakash Narayan.

The Transition: From Jungle Raj to Good Governance

Despite its rich legacy, the land of these great personalities once faced a challenging period often referred to as “Jungle Raj.” During this time, the criminalisation of politics led to the near collapse of industries and forced people to migrate. Incidents like kidnappings for ransom became tragically common, leaving a lasting negative impact on the people of Bihar.

However, over the last 11 years, the state has witnessed the rise of Double Engine Growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This model not only brought an end to the “Jungle Raj” era but also established good governance and launched an extensive development drive. Significant progress has been made across education, tourism, and infrastructure sectors.

Unpacking the Claims: Investment Trumps Empty Promises

Today, opposition parties frequently make loud, empty promises about bringing about “revolution.” It is vital to compare these claims with the concrete financial investment made by the BJP-led central government.

• UPA Regime (2004–2014): Over ten years, the UPA government provided a package of ₹2.8 lakh crore to Bihar.
• BJP Government (2014–2024): In the subsequent decade, the Modi government delivered a colossal package of ₹9.23 lakh crore for the state’s Overall Development.

This massive investment is more than three times the previous amount, unequivocally proving that Bihar Double Engine Growth is underpinned by a genuine commitment to economic empowerment.

Further Viewing: Deep Dive into the Vision

For a comprehensive visual exploration of the progress and commitment to a ‘Developed India’, watch our exclusive video content here.

Strategic Investment: Budget Allocation for Infrastructure

The Union Budget for 2024–25 allocated a special package of approximately ₹58,900 crore to Bihar, highlighting the state’s future potential and signifying robust regional development.

Key components of this specialized funding include:

• Roads and Highways: ₹26,000 crore is dedicated to critical infrastructure like the Patna–Purnia Expressway, Buxar–Bhagalpur Expressway, the Bodh Gaya–Rajgir–Vaishali–Darbhanga Corridor, and a new two-lane bridge over the Ganga River.
• Power Sector: ₹21,400 crore is allocated for establishing a 2400 MW power plant in Pirpainty, Bhagalpur district, boosting energy security.
• Flood Control: ₹11,500 crore will fund flood control and irrigation projects, including the crucial Kosi–Mechi link project and new barrages.

Additionally, Bihar received a total of ₹11,522 crore in interest-free capital loans in the 2024–25 fiscal year. This capital is strategically directed toward hospitals, police buildings, power houses, roads, and tourism development.

Boosting Revenue and Employment

In January 2025, Bihar received an additional fund of ₹2,766 crore. Looking ahead, the state is projected to receive ₹1.43 lakh crore under the Tax Devolution mechanism in the 2025–26 financial year from the central government. This is an increase of about ₹14,000 crore from the previous year.

This surge in funds is the foundation for the state’s ambitious plan to recruit 6 lakh government jobs, directly linking the Bihar Double Engine Growth model to mass empowerment through employment.

Transparent Implementation of Welfare Schemes

The core benefit of the Double Engine Growth model is the transparent and dedicated implementation of all central government welfare schemes on the ground. This ensures that the benefits of social empowerment and progress reach the maximum number of people.

Key Achievements in Social Infrastructure (PIB/PM Speeches):

• PM Awas Yojana (Rural): Over 60 lakh people have received housing. In March 2025, the first installment of ₹40,000 was released to 3 lakh rural families, transferring ₹1,200 crore directly into people’s accounts.
• Har Ghar Shauchalaya (Toilets): Over 1.39 crore toilets in rural areas and nearly 4 lakh in urban areas have been constructed, drastically improving public health and sanitation.
• Har Ghar Nal (Tap Water): Over 1.60 crore tap connections have been installed, providing access to clean drinking water.
• Ujjwala Yojana: 1 crore 1 lakh gas connections have been provided, benefiting women and households.
• Ayushman Card: 2.59 crore people now possess the Ayushman Card (as of June 2024), providing crucial health insurance coverage.
• Free Ration: Approximately 8.71 crore people, corresponding to the number of ration card holders, are benefiting from the free ration scheme.
• PM Gram Sadak Yojana: Over the last ten years, 55,000 kms of roads have been constructed in rural areas, improving connectivity and market access.

Major Infrastructure and Banking Initiatives

Innovation and large-scale projects are central to the state’s modernization:

• Darbhanga AIIMS: Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for this AIIMS project, estimated to cost over ₹12,100 crore.
• Expressway Corridors: Major projects include the NH-119A Patna–Ara–Sasaram Highway and the Danapur–Bihta Elevated Road, a 21 km, 4-lane expressway connecting Patna to the Bihta Airport.
• Bihar Gramin Bank: The central government launched the Bihar Gramin Bank in May 2025 (One State, One RRB). With 2,885 branches, it is now the largest rural bank in the state, boosting employment and credit for small traders and farmers.

Driven by the dream of all-round development, Prime Minister Modi’s efforts over the last 11 years have positioned Bihar to reclaim its lost glory. Today, Bihar is actively writing a new saga of sustained progress.