Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dedicated the historic Kosi Rail Mahasetu (mega bridge) to the nation through video-conference this afternoon. He also inaugurated 12 rail projects related to passenger facilities to benefit the people of Bihar.
 

The 1.9-kilometre long Kosi mega bridge has been completed at a total cost of 516 crore rupees. Speaking on this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, history has been created in connectivity and prosperity of Bihar after construction of historical Kosi Rail Mahasetu. He said, the bridge has connected Mitihila and Kosi region. With the construction of the bridge the rail distance between Nirmali and Saraigarh would come down from the present 298 kilometres to 22 kilometres. This bridge is of strategic importance along Indo-Nepal border. It would also make it easy for long distance travel to Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai for the people of the region.

 
The Prime Minister stressed that the dedication of this project has fulfilled the 86-year old dream and the long wait of the people of the region. During the heavy flood and severe Indo-Nepal earthquake in 1934, the Koshi rail link was washed away and thereafter due to the meandering nature of river Kosi no attempt was made to restore this rail link for long period.
 
The project was completed during the COVID-pandemic where the migrant labour also participated. The Prime Minister said, 90 per cent rail line in Bihar has been electrified. He blamed the previous UPA government for the slow progress in the development of railways in the state during its rule. The Prime Minister alleged that the Opposition parties are misguiding people by protesting against Agriculture reforms Bill. Mr Modi assured that the new bill will truly free the farmers from middlemen and all obstacles. He said that these agrarian reforms will provide new opportunities to farmers to sell their produce, which will increase their profits. Mr. Modi asserted that these legislations will empower farmers in the country and will ensure that they get the benefit of modern technology. He said that various powers are engaged in confusing the farmers regarding the provisions of the new legislation. Mr. Modi assured farmers that the system of MSP and government procurement will continue as before. He exhorted that these bills will additionally fortify the farmers by giving them many more options.

 
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said, dream of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has been fulfilled after dedication of Kosi Rail Mahasetu. Mr Kumar thanked Prime Minister Modi for speedy construction of setu.

 
Railway Minister Piyush Goel said, a new chapter has been added in golden history of Bihar after construction of Kosi Rail Mahasetu. Mr Goel said, 3,400 crore rupees per year are being invested in railway infrastructure in Bihar. He said, rail freight transportation has been increased by 14 per cent and speed of goods trains has been doubled.

 
Union Minister of State for Home Nityand Rai said, Kosi setu is a boon for people of Bihar. Mr Rai said, India is marching towards development under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.
 
The Prime Minister also flaged off a demu train from Supaul Railway Station on Saharsa-Adampur-Kupaha section.

Among the 12 other projects inaugurated by the Prime Minister are two new railway lines, five electrification projects, one electric locomotive shed and third line project between Barh and Bakhatiarpur.

 
The two new railway lines are the Hajipur-Ghoswar-Vaishali section as well as Islampur-Nateshar section and Karnauti- Bakhtiarpur by pass rail line between Barh-Bakhtiarpur.

The railway electrification projects include Muzaffarpur- Sitamarhi sections, Katihar-New Jalpaiguri, Samastipur-Khagaria, Bhagalpur- Shivnarayanpur and Samastipur-Jaynagar sections.