Nitish Kumar kicks off fifth phase of Samriddhi Yatra

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday (March 23, 2026) embarked on his fifth phase of Samriddhi Yatra from Jehanabad and Arwal where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of projects worth ₹405 crore.

He also reviewed the ongoing development projects in both districts and issued directions to the officials concerned to complete the work in stipulated time frame.

In Jehanabad, the Chief Minister sought information from officials regarding the implementation of various schemes that had been announced during the previous ‘Pragati Yatra’.

During the review meeting, the Chief Minister directed that the implementation of schemes approved under the ‘Pragati Yatra’ be expedited. He emphasised that schemes currently being executed under ‘Saat Nishchay-2’ must be implemented with greater efficiency.

He further directed that work on the schemes designated under ‘Saat Nishchay-3’ be initiated effectively. Mr. Kumar asserted that the government is working in the best interests of the people, and to that end, numerous schemes are being implemented.

The Chief Minister announced that his government has set a target of providing jobs and employment opportunities to 1 crore youths in the next five years.

“The government is actively encouraging individuals to establish industries within the state or pursue self-employment by offering them various incentives and facilities. A special economic package is being extended to entrepreneurs looking to set up industries in Bihar; this initiative is expected to provide significant assistance to those investing in the state’s industrial sector,” Mr. Kumar said.

He added that the government’s primary objective is to further boost industrial growth in Bihar, to ensure that the State’s youth become skilled and self-reliant, to maximise employment opportunities for them, and to secure their future.

Mr. Kumar pointed out that a dedicated ‘Startup Policy’ has been formulated to enable young entrepreneurs to launch their own ventures.

“We are working tirelessly to ensure that the youth of our state become both skilled and capable,” he affirmed.

In Arwal, he reviewed various developmental and welfare schemes within the premises of the Government Medical College at Belkhara.

During the review meeting, the District Magistrate of Arwal, Amrisha Bains, gave detailed information to the CM through a presentation—regarding the implementation of schemes. Ms. Bains also apprised him of other ongoing developmental works being undertaken in the district.

Mr. Kumar addressed public meetings in both Jehanabad and Arwal along with Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and other cabinet ministers.

Mr. Choudhary while addressing the public said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, the era of “Lal Salaam” (Naxalite dominance) has been brought to a complete end.

He added that Nitish Kumar has laid a strong foundation for Bihar’s development through various initiatives.

Mr. Choudhary remarked that in the past, it used to take hours to travel from Patna to Jehanabad, whereas today, that same distance is covered in a mere 40 minutes. Now, people move about the area without any fear, even at night.

He highlighted that prior to 2005, Bihar’s annual budget stood at roughly ₹23,000 crore and today it has gone ₹3.5 lakh crore.

Bihar CM will travel to Kaimur, Rohtas, Buxar, Bhojpur, Nalanda his home town before concluding the fifth phase in Patna on March 26.