Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has renewed calls for the revival of the long-delayed Wazirganj steel processing plant in Bihar. The project, which was first sanctioned in 2008 but has remained inactive, continues to feature prominently in discussions around the state’s industrial development and employment generation.
Speaking at a public event in Bodh Gaya, Manjhi emphasised the strategic importance of operationalising the Wazirganj facility, noting that its revival would significantly contribute to local growth and strengthen Bihar’s role in India’s steel ecosystem. He drew attention to parallel infrastructure undertakings across the region that could complement and support such an initiative.
Among the key projects highlighted was the Falgu–Sone River linking scheme, which aims to make the Falgu River perennial and ensure year-round water availability for agriculture and industry. Enhanced connectivity measures are also under way, including the introduction of daily Air India flights to improve regional access, the development of a 1,300-acre industrial cluster in Gaya, and progress on the Sone Nagar–Gaya corridor to support freight and passenger movement.
In addition, large-scale power and transport projects are transforming the landscape. A ₹3,000 crore, 2,400 MW thermal power station in Nabinagar is expected to provide much-needed energy security, while the modernisation of railway stations will facilitate smoother logistics and mobility. Collectively, these initiatives point towards an integrated approach where steel production capacity, infrastructure growth and energy development work in tandem to accelerate Bihar’s industrial profile.
The push to revive Wazirganj underscores the larger vision of aligning steel sector growth with regional infrastructure and economic aspirations. If realised, the project could deliver significant employment opportunities and reinforce Bihar’s position within the national industrial map.
