KOLKATA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday unveiled a massive bouquet of connectivity and infrastructure projects worth over ₹18,680 crore in West Bengal, declaring that a new chapter of India’s development was being written from the state.
The Prime Minister’s visit, which included a rally at the historic Brigade Parade Ground, comes ahead of the assembly elections expected in April. The projects span road, rail, and port sectors, aiming to boost connectivity, ease travel, and spur economic growth across several districts.
Key Highlights of the Infrastructure Push
The centerpiece of the announcements is the Kharagpur-Moregram economic corridor, a 231-km long four-lane project. Key details include:
| Project/Sector | Key Details & Impact |
|---|---|
| Kharagpur-Moregram Economic Corridor | Four-lane, 231 km long. Will reduce travel distance by ~120 km and save 7-8 hours. Passes through 6 districts (Paschim Medinipur, Bankura, Hooghly, Purba Bardhaman, Birbhum, Murshidabad). |
| National Highways | Inauguration of sections of NH-19 and NH-114 to enhance safety, reduce congestion, and boost tourism. |
| Railway Projects | Flagged off Purulia-Anand Vihar Terminal Express. Dedicated 16-km third rail line (Belda-Dantan) and automatic block signalling system (Kalaikunda-Kanimohuli). |
| Amrit Station Scheme | Unveiled redevelopment of six railway stations: Kamakhyaguri, Anara, Tamluk, Haldia, Barabhum, and Siuri. |
| Port Infrastructure | Inaugurated mechanisation of Berth 2 at Haldia Dock Complex for efficient cargo handling. Laid foundation for mechanisation of Berth 5 and renovation of the Bascule Bridge in Kolkata. |
| River Tourism | Laid foundation for a river cruise terminal and tourism facility near the Indenture Memorial in Kolkata. |
| Road Bypass & Bridges | Foundation laid for 5.6-km Dubrajpur Bypass and four-lane bridges over Kangshabati and Shilabati rivers on NH-14. |
PM Modi’s Address
Addressing the rally, PM Modi emphasized the transformative impact of these projects. He stated that a mission has been undertaken to modernise India’s railways and that the new road corridor would integrate key national highways, including NH-16, NH-19, NH-14 and NH-12, thereby strengthening multi-corridor connectivity in the region.
The development push touches several districts across the state, promising improved road safety, reduced travel time, and a boost to local economies and tourism.
Political Context
The Prime Minister’s visit and the massive project unveiling come at a significant political moment, with West Bengal heading into assembly elections next month. The infrastructure announcements are seen as a major outreach to the state’s electorate, highlighting the central government’s focus on development in the region.
