DM Dr. Naval Kishor Choudhary Completes 2.5 Years in Office; Ganga Path, Ajgaibinath Airport, and Super Speciality Block Reshape the Silk City
Bhagalpur: The credit for driving rapid development on the ground in Bihar's 'Silk City' goes to its District Magistrate (DM), Dr. Naval Kishor Choudhary. Having assumed charge as the DM of Bhagalpur on January 29, 2024, Dr. Choudhary has successfully completed a stellar tenure of two years and four and a half months.
During this period, he not only streamlined the administrative machinery but also accelerated several mega-projects that had been gathering dust in files for years. Here is a look at the three major achievements of his tenure that have transformed the face of Bhagalpur.
Bhagalpur Ganga Path (A Bypass on the Lines of Marine Drive)
Relieving Bhagalpur city from its notorious traffic congestion has always been a massive challenge. Under the leadership of Dr. Naval Kishor Choudhary, work on the 'Bhagalpur Ganga Path'—being built on the lines of Patna's Marine Drive—witnessed unprecedented momentum.
Action on Ground Zero: To resolve lingering disputes regarding land acquisition and compensation, the DM personally visited the sites, held direct meetings with farmers and landowners, and settled grievances on the spot.
Major Relief: Once fully operational, this project will divert heavy traffic coming from Vikramshila Setu towards Sabour-Kahalgaon away from the core city area, providing permanent relief from traffic jams to local residents.
Push for Ajgaibinath Dham Airport in Sultanganj
The people of Bhagalpur and the Anga region have shared a long-cherished dream of having their own commercial airport. The proposal for an airport near the world-famous Ajgaibinath Dham in Sultanganj received a major lease of life during this tenure.
Administrative Initiative: The process of land measurement, feasibility surveys, and preparing fiscal reports in alignment with the standards of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the State Government was fast-tracked under the DM's direct supervision.
The Impact: This airport will serve as a futuristic milestone for millions of Shiva devotees visiting the Shravani Mela from across the globe, as well as local silk traders.
Operationalization of the Super Speciality Hospital
Fully operationalizing the multi-crore Super Speciality Block within the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital (JLNMCH) premises marks a massive leap forward for the region's healthcare system.
The Advantage of Being a Doctor: Since DM Dr. Naval Kishor Choudhary is a medical doctor himself (holding MBBS and MS degrees), he accurately diagnosed the bottlenecks in the healthcare system. He mandated a strict duty roster for doctors and ensured the installation of state-of-the-art medical equipment.
Relief for Locals: Patients from Bhagalpur, Banka, Katihar, and Naugachia no longer need to rush to Patna, Siliguri, or Delhi for critical treatments in fields like Neurology, Cardiology, and Nephrology (Kidney care).
CSR Agreement with NTPC: A New Chapter in Education and Security
Adding a fresh dimension to his developmental vision, the DM signed a major Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agreement with NTPC Kahalgaon. Under this initiative:
Smart Classes and Schools: Modern educational facilities and high-tech libraries are being developed across 10 government schools in the district.
CCTV Surveillance: High-definition CCTV cameras are being installed at major intersections and sensitive zones across the city to bolster crime control and public safety.
As an IAS officer, Dr. Naval Kishor Choudhary's working style has been distinctively 'action-oriented.' Holding regular Janata Darbars every week to address public grievances and ensuring strict accountability among officials have become hallmarks of his administration. The visible changes in Bhagalpur over the last two and a half years prove that with a clear vision, even the most complex projects can be delivered on the ground.
