"Bihar Has a Crucial Role to Play in India's Development Roadmap for 2047"

Bihar's Industries & Tourism Minister, NITISH MISHRA, champions the state's industrial potential and tourism appeal in this exclusive interview with BW Businessworld.

- Ruhail Amin

BW Businessworld sits down with Nitish Mishra, Bihar’s Industries & Tourism Minister to delve into the state’s ambitious vision for industrial growth and its efforts to transform into an economic powerhouse in eastern India. With the Bihar Business Connect Summit 2024 on the horizon, the state is gearing up to showcase its potential across various sectors, including industry, tourism, IT, and energy. Mishra sheds light on the government’s proactive measures, from enhancing ease of doing business to developing world-class infrastructure. Excerpts -

Q - The upcoming Bihar Business Connect summit is themed around “Make in Bihar.” What steps are being taken to ensure Bihar becomes a manufacturing and investment hub for the eastern part of India?

It all begins with the Honorable Prime Minister’s vision of “Make in India” and the broader goal of “Vision India 2047.” Bihar has a crucial role to play in this vision, and I believe we have the potential to become the growth engine for the entire eastern part of India.

In terms of manufacturing, we recently received approval for the Integrated Manufacturing Cluster at Gaya, which is part of the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor. We have acquired 1,700 acres of land and the Government of India has committed to developing the infrastructure, with an investment of over 2,000 crore rupees. Gaya, with its excellent connectivity and international recognition, has the potential to attract investments exceeding 25,000 crore rupees in the coming years. This cluster will not only drive investment and manufacturing but also create a significant number of jobs.

With improved connectivity through expressways like Amas and Darbhanga, this region is poised to become a major manufacturing hub, not just for Bihar, but for the entire eastern corridor.