Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 17 major development projects in Patna district, signaling the government’s continued focus on infrastructure, public services, and tourism ahead of the Assembly elections.
Among the flagship initiatives was the state’s first cable suspension bridge over the Punpun River, constructed at a cost of Rs 82.99 crore. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Laxman Jhula of Rishikesh, the bridge is expected to boost pedestrian and small vehicle movement while enhancing Punpun’s tourism appeal. Locals have already started calling it the “Laxman Jhula of Punpun.”
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, accompanying the Chief Minister, said, “Along with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, I attended the inauguration ceremony of Bihar’s first cable suspension bridge at Punpun in Patna. Famous as ‘Laxman Jhula’, this bridge will be helpful for pedestrians, small vehicles, and devotees visiting the Pitru Paksha fair.”
The CM also inaugurated the Jananayak Karpuri Thakur Library at Dulhin Bazaar and interacted with beneficiary families of social security pension schemes. “I met a large number of mothers and sisters who expressed gratitude for the government’s welfare schemes,” Kumar noted. The event highlighted the government’s welfare measures, including 125 units of free electricity and continued social security pensions, which drew enthusiastic support from residents holding thank-you posters.
The 17 projects inaugurated on Friday spanned multiple sectors, including 12 from the power sector and four from tourism, reflecting a blend of development and public service. Several dignitaries were present, including Energy Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Water Resource Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, JD(U) National General Secretary Shyam Rajak, and State General Secretary Arvind Kumar Singh alias Chhotu Singh.
These initiatives are part of Nitish Kumar’s ongoing development drive in the election year. Earlier, the government had launched schemes worth Rs 899.46 crore in Gaya and Rs 1,203.83 crore in Saran, reinforcing a narrative of steady district-level progress ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls.
