The seven-member media delegation from Nagaland held a courtesy meeting with the Governor of Bihar, Syed Ata Hasnain, at Lok Bhavan in Patna on March 17.
.jpg)
Morung Express News
Patna | March 17
A seven-member media delegation from Nagaland arrived in Bihar on March 16 for a week-long press tour organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The tour, which will continue until March 22, is designed to provide the visiting journalists with exposure to key government initiatives and historically significant sites across Patna, Nalanda, Rajgir and Bodh Gaya.
The delegation is led by P Sophie, Head of Office, PIB Kohima, accompanied by an official from the bureau.
On the first day of the tour, the team held a courtesy meeting with the Governor of Bihar, Syed Ata Hasnain, at Lok Bhavan in Patna. During the interaction, the Governor underscored the significance of journalism in a democracy. He emphasised that “responsible and ethical journalism plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between governance and the public.”
Governor Hasnain highlighted the continued relevance of print media as a credible and trusted source of information, particularly in ensuring depth, accuracy and accountability in reporting. At the same time, he acknowledged the growing influence of digital media platforms in shaping public discourse and expanding the reach of news. He encouraged the media professionals to adapt to evolving technologies while “upholding the core values of journalism, truth, integrity, and public service.”
The discussion further explored how media platforms can play a constructive role in highlighting developmental initiatives, preserving cultural narratives, and fostering greater awareness across regions. The Governor noted that inter-state media exchanges, such as this tour, are instrumental in promoting national integration and a better understanding of diverse developmental models.
Earlier in the day, the delegation visited the Bihar Museum and inspected the Patna Metro project site at Moin-ul-Haq Stadium.
At the museum, officials briefed the team on its galleries, which trace the region's history from the Stone Age to the modern era. A key highlight was the Didarganj Yakshi, a renowned Mauryan-period sculpture.
Interacting with the delegation, Museum Director General Anjani Kumar Singh (IAS, Retd.) stressed the need for substantial investment to sustain high-quality museum infrastructure.
He said the museum functions as a cultural centre rather than just a repository, organising regular exhibitions and public programmes that attract over five lakh visitors annually.
Singh emphasised the importance of storytelling in museum design, curating exhibits to present a coherent historical narrative for better visitor engagement.
During the visit, officials briefed the delegation on the Patna Underground Metro PC-03 Project, being executed for Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. with design consultancy by SYSTRA and construction by Larsen & Toubro.
The project includes a 6,302-metre twin tunnel, six underground stations Moin-ul-Haq Stadium, University, PMCH, Gandhi Maidan, Akashvani, and Rajendra Nagar along with cross passages, a retrieval shaft, ramps, and other infrastructure.
Work began on January 10, 2022, with the contract value revised from Rs 1,776 crore to Rs 1,930 crore. The timeline has been extended from 42 to 64 months, with completion expected by July 25, 2027.
Key achievements include the start of the final TBM drive between PMCH and Gandhi Maidan, TBM relaunch from Moin-ul-Haq Stadium towards Rajendra Nagar, and completion of diaphragm walls and tunnel segments.
Sustainability measures feature smart dimmable tunnel lighting that reduces energy use by operating at 30% intensity during idle periods and brightening upon motion detection. With 14 of 660 units installed, the system is projected to save Rs 21.8 lakh in electricity, 1.84 lakh units of energy, and cut carbon emissions by 217 metric tonnes.
Ambient light sensors further optimise energy use. Environmental efforts include planting 1,028 saplings in 2025–26 across Patna.
The visiting media delegation from Nagaland, which also includes Meribeni T Kikon, Stringer, The Morung Express is set to continue its press tour in Bihar on March 18 with a series of engagements focusing on agriculture, infrastructure development, and government communication initiatives.
The tour will continue till March 22, 2026.
