MUZAFFARPUR/PATNA, July 13 -- Chief minister Samrat Choudhary on Sunday announced the establishment of a new architecture and civil engineering university in Muzaffarpur while inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for nearly a thousand urban infrastructure projects worth more than Rs.1,000 crore. Speaking at a related public gathering at the MIT grounds, Choudhary said the university would be set up on the existing MIT campus. He described it as a key step to give Bihar's young people better technical education, research opportunities and skills for the future. On the occasion, the CM formally opened the new Sikandarpur lake front, a Rs.213 crore Smart City project that has quickly become the talk of the town. Locals now have a modern waterfront with fountains, attractive lighting, walkways and artworks that light up after dark. Many residents say it gives Muzaffarpur a fresh identity and a pleasant place for evening outings. Choudhary inaugurated a total of 673 schemes and laid foundation stones for 309 others under the urban development and housing department (UDHD), costing around Rs.1,047 crore. These included road development works, storm-water drainage and other civic improvements projects aimed at making city life easier. Citing his bigger plans ahead for the region, the CM said a new Tirhut satellite township in Muzaffarpur has been started and the government is pressing for an early construction of the Muzaffarpur airport. "A rapid rail link connecting Muzaffarpur with Patna has also been proposed to cut travel time to about 40 minutes. The upcoming Haldia-Raxaul Highway would improve connectivity to Kolkata and boost trade across eastern India," he added. Choudhary thanked Union home minister Amit Shah and former chief minister Nitish Kumar for the grand Sita Temple being built in Sitamarhi. He stressed that women's self-help groups are getting stronger support and that the government is working with zero tolerance on corruption. The lake front opening drew plenty of attention on social media. Videos of the illuminated site and preparations showed strong public interest. People welcomed the new public space, though many also hope the government keeps the focus on everyday needs like jobs, education and clean surroundings. Senior leaders from the NDA, including Union minister Raj Bhushan Choudhary, deputy chief ministers Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav, UDHD minister Nitish Mishra and other ministers and MLAs attended the event....