World sees India as next economic powerhouse : PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that Bihar’s youth are closely observing the transformation taking place across the state, citing the Marhowra Locomotive Factory as an example of the government’s development model. Addressing a gathering in Siwan, PM Modi said that the first engine manufactured at the Marhowra facility is now being exported to Africa.
“The same Saran district that was once dismissed as backward is now exporting engines to Africa. This is a proud moment for Bihar,” the Prime Minister said. He added that the engines made in Bihar, now powering trains abroad, marks a significant milestone and reflects the broader transformation underway in the state. PM Modi said that Bihar is steadily becoming a hub for ‘Made in India’ manufacturing and noted that the state’s local produce e.g. makhana, fruits, and vegetables will reach international markets alongside industrial goods produced by local factories.
“The products created by the youth of Bihar will strengthen the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat,” the Prime Minister said.
PM Modi stated that infrastructure investments across the state are contributing to Bihar’s progress. He said new developments are taking place in roadways, railways, air travel, and inland waterways. Citing the recent expansion of train services, Modi said Bihar is regularly receiving new trains, including Vande Bharat Express services.
He announced that before the onset of the holy month of Sawan, the newly launched Patna–Gorakhpur Vande Bharat Express has established a direct rail link between Baba Hariharnath’s land and the land of Baba Gorakhnath. He added that this new route would be especially beneficial for devotees in Purvanchal, offering a convenient travel option to visit places of religious and cultural importance. PM Modi said the train will also connect sites associated with the life of the Buddha, including his place of penance and the Mahaparinirvana site at Kushinagar.
The Prime Minister said that these infrastructure developments will support industrial growth and also contribute to the tourism sector. He said that the state’s presence on the global tourism map will improve, bringing with it new employment opportunities for the youth.
PM Modi reiterated the government’s commitment to equal opportunities for all, saying that the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ reflects the true spirit of the Constitution. He contrasted this with what he described as the “family-first” model of the previous regime. PM Modi accused previous governments of using power for the benefit of their own families, and said this had harmed the lives of millions of families across Bihar and the country.
Referring to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, PM Modi said that the architect of the Constitution had consistently spoken out against dynastic politics. He criticised certain parties for dishonouring Ambedkar’s legacy, pointing to a recent incident in which his photograph was allegedly disrespected. “Posters have appeared across Bihar demanding an apology, but it is unlikely to come,” PM Modi said. He claimed that these political parties do not respect Dalits or Mahadalits, and added, “While they keep Dr. Ambedkar’s photograph at their feet, I carry him in my heart.”
He said the people of Bihar would remember the way Baba Saheb had been treated. The Prime Minister added that the groundwork for Bihar’s development had already been laid through the efforts of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and said it is now the responsibility of the NDA alliance to take the state forward.
