Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off a state-of-the-art locomotive built at the Marhowra Plant for export to the Republic of Guinea, under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
This marks the first export locomotive manufactured at the plant. These locomotives are equipped with high-horsepower engines, advanced AC propulsion systems, microprocessor-based control systems, and ergonomic cab designs, incorporating features such as regenerative braking technology.
On the same day, the Prime Minister also flagged off the Vande Bharat Express between Patliputra and Gorakhpur, via Muzaffarpur and Bettiah.
During a public meeting in Siwan, the Prime Minister was felicitated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects across the water, rail, and power sectors.
To strengthen railway infrastructure in the region, he inaugurated the new Vaishali–Deoria railway line project, worth over ₹400 crore, and flagged off a new train service on this route.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated six Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) under the Namami Gange programme, with a total outlay of over ₹1,800 crore. These plants aim to serve the population across the region.
In addition, he laid the foundation stone for water supply, sanitation, and sewage treatment infrastructure worth over ₹3,000 crore in several towns across Bihar. These projects aim to provide clean and safe drinking water to residents.
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for a 500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Bihar. Standalone BESS units will be installed at 15 grid substations across the state, including in Muzaffarpur, Motihari, Bettiah, and Siwan. The capacity of each battery system will range from 20 to 80 MWh. These systems are expected to reduce electricity procurement costs for distribution companies by supplying stored energy to the grid during peak demand, ultimately benefiting consumers.
The Prime Minister also released the first instalment to more than 53,600 beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U) in Bihar. He handed over keys to a few beneficiaries as part of the Grih Pravesh ceremony for over 6,600 completed houses under the scheme.