Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 17 development projects in Patna district, marking another step in the state government’s ongoing infrastructure push. Out of these, 12 projects belong to the power sector, while four are from the tourism department.

The highlight of the event was the inauguration of Bihar’s first cable suspension bridge over the Punpun River, constructed at a cost of ₹82.99 crore. Inspired by the iconic Laxman Jhula in Rishikesh, the bridge is expected to boost tourism and has already earned the nickname “Laxman Jhula of Punpun” among locals. The structure will benefit pedestrians, small vehicles, and devotees visiting the Pitru Paksha fair.

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who accompanied Kumar, hailed the bridge as a major step toward enhancing regional connectivity and tourism. The Chief Minister also inaugurated the Jananayak Karpuri Thakur Library at Dulhin Bazaar and interacted with beneficiary families of social security pension schemes. Kumar noted that many women expressed gratitude for government initiatives like 125 units of free electricity and social security pensions.

The event witnessed active participation from women supporters holding posters of thanks. Several senior leaders, including Energy Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Water Resource Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, JD(U) National General Secretary Shyam Rajak, and State General Secretary Arvind Kumar Singh alias Chhotu Singh, were present.

These inaugurations in Patna are part of Nitish Kumar’s broader spree of development projects in an election year. Recently, he unveiled schemes worth ₹899.46 crore in Gaya and ₹1,203.83 crore in Saran, underscoring the government’s strategy to showcase progress across districts ahead of the Assembly polls.