Patna, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Samrat Choudhary appealed for special cooperation for the development schemes of the state in a pre-budget discussion with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. He submitted a 32-page memorandum clarifying the priorities and requirements of Bihar. Also, he thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Patna-Purnia Expressway and other road projects.

Demand of Bihar: Generous budget provision

Deputy Chief Minister Choudhary stressed the need for more budget provision for Bihar in the Union Budget 2025-26. He appealed for the introduction of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana 5.0, so that rural paths can be widened and strengthened. He said that this scheme will not only increase connectivity but will also accelerate rural development.

Plan to promote religious tourism

Samrat Choudhary proposed to develop a 250 km long greenfield corridor from Pashupatinath (Nepal) to Vaidyanath Dham (Jharkhand) for the development of religious tourism. This corridor will be built in the form of Birpur-Bihpur-Aguani-Sultanganj-Deoghar Expressway, which will improve the connectivity of Koshi zone and Purvanchal. He said that this corridor will not only promote tourism but will also benefit the regional economy.

Initiative to connect North and South Bihar

To eliminate regional inequality and connect North and South Bihar, Samrat Choudhary proposed the construction of a 270 km long high-speed corridor from Ladniya to Nawada. This project will not only speed up transportation but will also improve industry and trade. He also suggested that the Raxaul-Dighwara high-speed corridor be connected to the Kalughat inland waterway terminal. This 135 km long corridor will strengthen commercial relations with Nepal.

Demand for railway university and new rail lines
The BJP leader demanded the establishment of PM Gatishakti Railway University in Jamalpur keeping in view the educational and research needs in the railway sector. He said that this move will help in preparing skilled human resources in the railway sector. He also demanded provision for two new rail lines - first from Bihta to Aurangabad and second from Sultanganj to Deoghar.

New initiatives in the field of education
To strengthen education in Bihar, the Deputy Chief Minister demanded the establishment of 10 new Kendriya Vidyalayas in the state. He said that this would help in fulfilling the objectives of the new education policy and improving the educational performance of the state. Along with this, he appealed for special provision in the upcoming budget for the renovation of Vikramshila University. He reminded that this project is part of the Prime Minister's Package 2015.

Special emphasis on road projects
The Deputy Chief Minister demanded financial support for Patna-Purnia Expressway and five other major road projects. He said that these projects will strengthen the transport network in Bihar and will accelerate the pace of development.

Emphasis on expectations from the Center
The Deputy Chief Minister said that the cooperation of the Central Government is necessary for the development of Bihar. Referring to the geographical and social challenges of the state, he demanded a special economic package from the Center. He said that this step will help in removing the backwardness of the state.

Expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister
Samrat Choudhary expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that Bihar has received many big projects under his leadership. He expressed his commitment to continue his efforts for the development of the state and to fulfill the expectations of the people.