MADHUBANI, July 27 -- Bihar chief minister (CM) Nitish Kumar on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for a slew of development projects worth over Rs.650 crore during his visit to Laukahi in Madhubani district, fulfilling the promises made under the Pragati Yatra campaign. After landing at the helipad built on the premises of Surya Prasad Plus 2 High School in Laukahi, the CM conducted a roadshow on the 'Nischay Rath' to reach the event venue. He was accorded a warm welcome by the large crowd gathered to greet him. One of the key projects inaugurated by the CM was the foundation stone laying of a Road Over Bridge (ROB) at LC Gate No. 39C near Shahid Chouk at Jaynagar between Khajauli and Jaynagar railway stations on NH-527B, along with approach road works, costing Rs.178 crore. This long-awaited project is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion and reduce travel time for local residents. In a major step towards sustainable water management and flood mitigation, the CM launched projects worth Rs.264.93 crore under the Water Resources Department to revive the old Kamla river and Jeevch-Kamla rivers. Another Rs.161.08 crore has been earmarked for the construction of four weirs and related infrastructure on these rivers to enhance irrigation facilities and reduce the impact of floods across 11 blocks; 3 in Madhubani and 8 in Darbhanga districts. The integrated river rejuvenation plan spans a 160 km area and aims to ensure year-round water supply for agricultural use, particularly benefiting drought-prone areas. Laying the foundation stone for an inter-state bus terminal in Madhubani city at a cost of Rs.14.53 crore, the CM addressed growing traffic issues caused by the congested bus stand at Gangasagar Chowk. The new terminal, to be constructed near Rampatti, about 5 km from the city center, is expected to reduce urban congestion and support the city's planned expansion. Further, he inaugurated a tourism project worth Rs.31.13 crore at Phulhar in Harlakhi block - the legendary meeting site of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. Recognised by the Bihar government in 2020 as pilgrimage destination, Phulhar will now be developed into a modern tourist hub, boosting local livelihoods and the district's prominence on the spiritual tourism map. In a notable gesture, the CM also unveiled the statue of former Bihar minister Hari Prasad Sah and offered floral tributes. Addressing the gathering, the CM Kumar emphasised the state government's commitment to regional development, irrigation reforms, and improved civic infrastructure. The event was also attended by deputy CM Samrat Choudhary, water resources and parliamentary affairs minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, MPs Sanjay Kumar Jha and Ramprit Mandal among others....