Patna: CM Nitish Kumar on Thursday launched 535 development projects worth over Rs895 crore in Purnia and Katihar districts during the third leg of his Samriddhi Yatra. Of these, 92 projects worth Rs485 crore were launched in Purnia, while 443 projects worth Rs410 crore were launched in Katihar. The projects cover roads, civic infrastructure, tourism facilities and administrative buildings.Beginning the day’s programme in Purnia, the CM visited the Maa Puran Devi Temple premises and reviewed the ongoing beautification and development work. After inspecting the site, he directed officials to improve both the quality and pace of construction. Emphasising devotees’ convenience, he said all necessary arrangements should be ensured and stressed that every development scheme must be completed within the stipulated timeframe, noting that timely completion would benefit the public.Nitish Kumar also remotely inaugurated two road projects announced earlier during the Pragati Yatra. These included a newly constructed two-lane road connecting State Highway-60 to the Maa Puran Devi Temple and the strengthening of the road from Line Bazaar Chowk to Polytechnic Chowk via Rajni Chowk.He further laid the foundation stone for a bypass road with a rail overbridge from Bhutaha Mor to Millia Polytechnic College via Purnia Srinagar Path. In addition, he launched the widening and strengthening of the road from SH-65 at Banbhag Chowk to Bishanpur Dharmkanta with a two-lane paved shoulder.During the visit, the CM inspected the renovated and beautified pond within the Maa Puran Devi Temple premises, developed under the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan. He later visited a stall set up by Bihar Bal Bhavan Kilkari at the temple premises. Earlier in the day, local artists welcomed him with a performance of the traditional Jhijhiya dance.The CM also reviewed a presentation on projects announced during the Pragati Yatra and sought detailed updates from officials. These include construction of a dam-cum-road on the Karikoshi River in Katra block, an inter-state bus terminal, Rang Bhoomi ground, a sports complex with a multipurpose hall in Purnia, four-laning of the Dhamdaha–Purnia SH-65 stretch with direct connectivity to Purnia airport, construction of the Bhutaha bypass road, direct connectivity from SH-65 to Kazhakothi premises, road construction and tourism facility development on the lines of Mithila Haat, and new block-cum-anchal office buildings in Amour, Kasba, Krityanand Nagar, Dhamdaha, Purnia, Banmankhi, Rupauli, Baysi, Baisa and Badharakothi blocks.Later, Nitish Kumar reached Katihar district, where he inspected several ongoing projects and sought updates on the implementation of announcements made during the Pragati Yatra. He directed officials to complete the works expeditiously. The CM also inaugurated the renovation and construction work of Krishi Utpadan Prangan, Katihar (Phase-2), built at a cost of Rs7,058.49 lakh, and inspected the newly constructed building and its facilities.
