Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday visited the Nawnagar Industrial Area in Buxar district, which is being developed as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), and directed officials to speed up its expansion to create more employment opportunities.

During his visit, the Chief Minister inspected several major industrial units, including the PepsiCo bottling plant of Varun Beverages Ltd., the drinking water bottling facility, and the company's Quality Assurance Lab.

The officials apprised him that the plant produces popular soft drink brandslike Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Seven Up, Slice, Sting, NimbuZ and Fizz.

Through a presentation, the officials gave details about the total land available in the Nawnagar Industrial Area, the number of operational units, investments made, market availability for products, facilities provided to industries and the number of jobs generated in the region.

Kumar also visited Bharat Plus Ethanol Pvt. Ltd. and reviewed the functioning of the ethanol production unit where he was updated on the land allotted to the company, the workforce, investment status, market reach and infrastructure support.

At the SLMG Beverages Ltd. Coca-Cola plant, he inspected the soft drink production line, water treatment plant, micro lab and other facilities.

The Chief Minister also reviewed preparations for the proposed SEZ spread over 125 acres, which is set to become one of the two major Special Economic Zones in Bihar.

He examined plans for developing essential infrastructure such as roads, electricity supply and drainage systems.

He said that several factories have already been established in Nawnagar and that the area has potential for further industrial expansion.

Directing officials for expanding Nawnagar as a major industrial hub so that more industries and new jobs can be created,

Kumar said that the region will play an important role in Bihar's industrial development.

He also asked to increase investment and employment.

During his visit, the authorities informed Kumar that Buxar district has three industrial zones including Buxar, Nawnagar and Dumraon. The Nawnagar Industrial Area covers 439.68 acres, of which 383.58 acres are available for industrial use. So far, 337.07 acres have been allotted, and 45.88 acres remain vacant. The site hosts major operational units such as Varun Beverages Ltd., SLMG Beverages Ltd., and Bharat Plus Ethanol Pvt. Ltd.

The industrial area is equipped with facilities including a dedicated power feeder, drainage for rainwater and industrial waste, solar street lights, a working women's hostel, and 24-hour security.

The union government approved Nawnagar as a Special Economic Zone on 19 October 2024. Out of the total land, 126.51 acres have been identified for SEZ development, where export-oriented industries will be set up. These units will ship their products to other states and international markets, helping increase Bihar's export share and creating large-scale employment.

Chief Minister later made an aerial survey of the newly constructed Ganga Bridge in Buxar enhancing connectivity between Bihar and Uttar Pradesh besides boosting regional trade and promoting economic growth and job creation.