Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched a series of development projects worth approximately Rs 650 crore in Madhubani district on Saturday, alongside inspecting the proposed redevelopment site of the revered Janki Mandir at Punaura Dham in Sitamarhi, believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita.

During a high-profile roadshow in Laukahi, Madhubani, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stones for multiple infrastructure and tourism initiatives, as per a release from the Chief Minister’s Office. Key projects include a Rs 178 crore approach road with a road over bridge (ROB) and a railway-level crossing between Khajauli-Jaynagar railway stations.

Additionally, Kumar launched river revival works for the Old Kamaladhar and Jeevch-Kamla rivers (Rs 264.93 crore), construction of four barrages for irrigation and flood mitigation (Rs 161.08 crore), an inter-state bus terminal in Madhubani’s municipal area (Rs 14.53 crore), and tourism facilities at Phulhar Sthan, Harlakhi (Rs 31.13 crore).

The Chief Minister also reviewed plans for the Rs 882.87 crore redevelopment of Janki Mandir at Punaura Dham, with a foundation stone ceremony scheduled for August 8. The state has formed a nine-member trust, chaired by the chief secretary, to oversee the project. This includes Rs 137 crore for temple renovation and Rs 728 crore for tourism infrastructure, modeled after the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirth Kshetra in Ayodhya, with additional funds allocated for maintenance over the next decade.

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The event saw the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena, and Development Commissioner Pratyaya Amrit, underscoring the state’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and cultural heritage in Madhubani and Sitamarhi.

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