PM Modi Launches Massive Infrastructure Push in West Bengal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up a significant two-day visit to West Bengal on Sunday. He inaugurated and laid foundation stones for Central government projects worth over Rs 4,000 crore. The visit highlighted a major push for the state's infrastructure and connectivity.
A Flurry of Rail and Infrastructure Launches
From Singur in Hooghly district, the Prime Minister dedicated projects valued at more than Rs 830 crore. He flagged off three new Amrit Bharat trains. These trains will connect Kolkata with New Delhi, Varanasi, and Chennai.
Modi also inaugurated the Jayrambati-Barogopinathpur-Maynapur rail line. He flagged off a train service between Maynapur and Jayrambati.
This followed Saturday's events in Malda. There, he inaugurated projects worth Rs 3,250 crore. He also flagged off the country's first Vande Bharat sleeper train. This new service will connect Kolkata with Guwahati.
"Unprecedented Work in 24 Hours": PM's Bold Claim
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi made a striking observation. "During my visit, I have had the opportunity to lay foundation stones and dedicate development projects related to West Bengal worth hundreds of crores of rupees," he said.
"Perhaps in the last 100 years, so much work has not happened in 24 hours," the Prime Minister added, emphasizing the scale and speed of the development initiatives.
He noted the personal significance of one train route. "Out of these trains, one will further strengthen the connectivity of my parliamentary constituency Kashi Banaras (Varanasi) with Bengal," Modi stated.
Focus on Port-Led Development and Green Mobility
In Singur, the PM laid the foundation stone for the Extended Port Gate System at Balagarh. This project includes an Inland Water Transport terminal and a road over bridge.
Modi stressed West Bengal's immense potential for waterways development. "Help is also being given here to build necessary infrastructure for port-led development," he said. "West Bengal can be made a big hub of manufacturing, trade, and logistics."
He explained the expected benefits. "This will reduce the pressure of traffic and logistics in Kolkata city. This entire infrastructure will help in making Hooghly a warehousing and trading hub. This will bring new investment. Thousands of youth will get employment."
The Prime Minister also launched a state-of-the-art electric catamaran in Kolkata. He highlighted the government's focus on multi-modal connectivity and green mobility.
"Ports, waterways, highways and airports are all being interconnected to ensure seamless travel, reducing cost and time," Modi said. "Our endeavour is also to make our transportation modes nature-friendly."
He added that hybrid electric boats would boost river transport and green mobility on the Hooghly. This would also encourage river-based tourism.
Vision for Fisheries and Comprehensive Development
The Prime Minister expressed a specific dream for the state. "India is fast advancing in fisheries, seafood production and export. My dream is that West Bengal leads the country in this sector," he stated.
He assured that the central government is supporting Bengal with priority for inland waterways development. "Our fishermen will also get the benefits along with our farmers," Modi said. He concluded by affirming that all these projects would accelerate West Bengal's overall development.
The event in Singur saw the presence of several dignitaries. West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose attended. Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal, Sukanta Majumdar, and Shantanu Thakur were present. State BJP president Samik Bhattacharya and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Suvendu Adhikari also joined the gathering.
