Patna, the capital of Bihar, is witnessing a transformational phase marked by infrastructural marvels such as a new airport terminal, India’s longest cable-stayed bridge over the Ganga, and the upcoming Patna Metro. However, this urban facelift is shadowed by growing concerns over the state’s law and order situation, notably following the recent murder of businessman Gopal Khemka in the heart of the city. The contradiction between development and crime remains a critical issue as Bihar gears up for elections later this year.

A Swanky New Terminal

A significant symbol of Patna’s new identity is the ₹1,200 crore terminal at Jay Prakash Narayan Airport, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Equipped with aerobridges, modern lounges, and facilities to handle one crore passengers annually, the terminal has redefined the air travel experience for Biharis. Many locals were seen admiring the modern design, with one couple commenting that it looked “better than Delhi Airport.”

This modernization effort is seen as a pride project, not just for the state government but also for the central leadership seeking to project Bihar as ready for investment and tourism.

India’s Longest Cable-Stayed Bridge

Patna also celebrated the inauguration of the 20-km long Ganga Bridge, India’s longest cable-stayed bridge, built at an estimated cost of ₹5,000 crore. The bridge directly connects Patna to Raghopur, a constituency long underserved by infrastructure. For over seven decades, Raghopur residents had to rely on boats to cross the Ganga. Political leaders, especially Tejashwi Yadav, have often highlighted this lack of development.

Locals have welcomed the bridge, calling it a "game changer," with many visiting daily to take selfies. However, some also expressed skepticism, claiming development doesn’t always influence voting patterns, which are still driven largely by caste equations.

Upcoming Metro & Ring Roads

Patna Metro, one of the most anticipated projects, is currently under construction, with a 6-kilometre stretch scheduled for inauguration on August 15. The Ganga Kinare ring road also offers a picturesque drive along the river, giving residents and tourists a new experience.

However, the rush to complete projects has taken a toll on interior roads, many of which remain dug-up, waterlogged, and poorly maintained, especially during the monsoon. Locals shared concerns about falling into open manholes and injuries on uneven streets, questioning the relevance of development that doesn’t address basic urban challenges.

A young resident eating litti-chokha at Budh Road quipped, “The main roads are fine, but go inside and it's a mess.”

The Rural-Urban Divide Remains

While infrastructure is booming in Patna, villagers say they are still waiting for meaningful change. “Bihar is not just Patna,” a local said, pointing to the lack of jobs, education, and healthcare in remote regions. Yet, others countered this by pointing to improvements like better electricity and water access in rural areas.

One elderly villager noted humorously, “Even our cows sleep under fans now,” crediting Nitish Kumar's governance.

Despite changing political loyalties over the years, many still view Nitish Kumar as a dependable leader, especially when contrasted with memories of Lalu Prasad Yadav’s so-called "jungle raj".

Murder in the Heart of Patna

However, the murder of Gopal Khemka, a prominent businessman, has brought law and order to the center stage. The murder was reportedly orchestrated from inside Beur Jail by a known gangster, exposing the jail-crime-supari network that Bihar is infamous for.

This incident has turned the spotlight on the NDA government's failure to ensure basic security, giving ammunition to opposition parties like the RJD and Congress, who are now drawing parallels to the very jungle raj they were once accused of.

Chirag Paswan Raises Alarm

Even NDA ally Chirag Paswan has expressed deep concern over the collapse of law and order, stating, “If such murders can happen in Patna, what must be happening in villages?” His remarks have further amplified tensions within the ruling alliance.

Paswan, who is spearheading a campaign around “Bihar First, Bihari First,” has emphasized the need for safety and justice, especially for small business owners and middle-class families.

Development vs Security: The Real Election Battle

While roads, flyovers, bridges, and metro systems form the visual narrative of a changing Bihar, the undercurrent remains one of caste-based politics, unemployment, and security concerns. Political rhetoric is escalating on both sides, with the NDA pointing to infrastructure as proof of progress, and the opposition highlighting crime and corruption.

The reality is complex—development does matter, but safety and daily survival matter more. The electorate appears to be yearning for a leader who can balance both.

Conclusion:

As Bihar prepares for a high-stakes electoral contest in 2025, the contrast between "Badalta Patna" and its unresolved law-and-order issues is glaring. While the city shines with new infrastructure, the murder of a businessman in a posh locality reflects that the core issues still persist. The upcoming elections may well be decided by who the public trusts more: the developers or the protectors.

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