PM Narendra Modi dedicates Kosi rail mega bridge to nation, says history has been created in rail connectivity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday afternoon inaugurated the Kosi Rail mega bridge along with several other rail projects in the state. PM Modi said that a history has been created in rail connectivity in Bihar with the introduction of these projects. The inauguration was done through a video call. 

“New history has been created in rail connectivity in Bihar with inauguration of 12 projects,” PM Modi said, adding that while 325 km rail line was commissioned in Bihar in 5 years before 2014, 700 km commissioned in 5 years since 2014. 

“In the last 6 years, efforts are being made to shape Indian Railways as per the aspirations of New India & expectations of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat.' Vande Bharat - a symbol of modernity and self reliance - the made in India trains are becoming part of rail network,” the prime minister said.  

Speaking about the agriculture bill, the prime minister said that it will give farmers more options that before. 

“Farmers have been given new independence in agriculture. They'll now have more options & opportunities to sell their produce. I congratulate them on passage of Bills. It was necessary to bring these to protect them from middlemen. These are farmers' shields,” he said.  

PM Modi added that people who ruled this country for decades are attempting to mislead the farmers on this issue.  

“They are lying to the farmers,” he said. 

The 1.9 kilometres long, Kosi Mega Bridge was constructed at a cost of Rs 516 crore. The project was sanctioned in 2003-04. Being around the India-Nepal border, the bridge is of high importance.  

"This bridge is of strategic importance along the India-Nepal border. The project was completed during the COVID-19 pandemic where the migrant labour also participated in its completion," a government release had said.