Union Minister Nitin Gadkari spoke at the inaugural session of the Rising Bihar Investor Summit 2026 in Patna, highlighting the state’s rapid transformation driven by expanding infrastructure, improved connectivity, a skilled workforce and a strengthening investment ecosystem. He said Bihar has the potential to become a major hub for industry, enterprise and innovation, and that a prosperous state will help realise a Viksit Bharat powered by investment, employment and inclusive growth.
Gadkari addressed concerns about the use of E20 petrol, stating that blending ethanol with petrol does not damage motor vehicles. He cited the fact that since 2022, 4 crore four‑wheelers and 20 crore two‑wheelers have operated on petrol mixed with ethanol, and challenged anyone who claims their vehicle has suffered damage. He emphasized that the decision to blend ethanol was taken to diversify agriculture toward energy and power sectors, turning farmers from “anna data” into “urja data”.
The minister also noted that all leading automobile brands have tested their vehicles on 100% ethanol with no complaints. He added that India has produced aviation fuel from rice straw, underscoring the country’s capacity for innovation, technology and research, and that Bihar can play a key role in this direction.
Gadkari described Bihar as rich yet not impoverished, pointing to untapped opportunities in tourism. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary urged investors to build in the state, promising a big market for quality‑standard products and a commitment that the government will purchase 25% of such goods and work to provide market access.
