Those playing safe are the Americans. Having so far adopted a wait-
and-watch stance, the Americans have now got a detailed report of
what all had changed in the state and what the business
opportunities were.

"The interest of the American Embassy is quite evident. There have
been meetings between US government officials and the chief
minister," said a senior state government official.

Bihar road construction and tourism minister Nand Kishore Yadav told
TOI on Monday that the state had, indeed, received a large number of
proposals.

"The Infrastructure Development Board is scrutinising these
proposals. Quite a few of them are from foreign companies," Yadav
said.

Yadav was candid enough to admit that the sudden interest being
showered on Bihar had a huge commercial side to it.
"Certainly the companies that put in money, want to make money. We
know there is no charity here. But we will make sure that our
interests are protected," he said.

The minister said the state was fortunate to be closely linked with
Buddhism. This ensured interest of countries where the religion was
widely prevalent.

The Japanese have expressed their desire to revive the ancient
Nalanda University and also set up an institution of learning in
Rajgir.

Besides foreign investment, there is also a mini deluge of proposals
from established Indian entrepreneurs based both in India and
abroad.

One such NRI has sent a blueprint to set up pathological
laboratories at a few decrepit district hospitals. Certain prominent
Biharis who have made it big outside Bihar have also joined the
bandwagon.

First filmmaker Prakash Jha spoke about constructing multiplexes in
Patna and then quickly expanded his base to road construction as
well.