Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a series of major connectivity and infrastructure projects worth ₹18,680 crore in West Bengal.
The projects aim to improve road, rail and port connectivity across the state, which is expected to significantly boost regional development, trade and tourism.
Kharagpur–Moregram Economic Corridor
One of the key announcements was the foundation stone for the 231-km four-lane Kharagpur–Moregram Economic Corridor.
Once completed, the corridor will reduce the travel distance by about 120 kilometres and save nearly seven to eight hours of travel time.
The corridor is part of a larger economic corridor connecting Kharagpur to Siliguri and will pass through several districts including Paschim Medinipur, Bankura, Hooghly, Purba Bardhaman, Birbhum and Murshidabad.
The project will also integrate major national highways such as NH-16, NH-19, NH-14 and NH-12, strengthening multi-corridor connectivity across the state.
Road Infrastructure Projects
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for the 5.6-km four-lane Dubrajpur Bypass.
In addition, new four-lane bridges over the Kangshabati and Shilabati rivers on NH-14 will be constructed to improve road connectivity in the region.
He also inaugurated upgraded sections of NH-19 and NH-114, which are expected to enhance road safety, reduce congestion and pollution, and make travel faster and more efficient.
Boost to Port Infrastructure
In the maritime sector, the Prime Minister inaugurated the mechanisation of Berth-2 at the Haldia Dock Complex, which will allow faster and more efficient cargo handling.
He also launched the rejuvenation project at Khidderpore Docks (Dock-1 West).
Additionally, foundation stones were laid for mechanisation of Berth-5 at Haldia Dock Complex and the renovation of the historic Bascule Bridge in Kolkata.
These initiatives are expected to strengthen port infrastructure and support maritime trade.
River Tourism Development
To promote tourism, the Prime Minister laid the foundation for a river cruise terminal and river tourism facility near the Indenture Memorial in Kolkata.
This project is expected to encourage river-based tourism and create new economic opportunities in the region.
Railway Infrastructure Projects
The Prime Minister also announced several important railway initiatives.
He flagged off the Purulia–Anand Vihar Terminal Express, improving rail connectivity between West Bengal and the national capital region.
Six railway stations were also redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
These include Kamakhyaguri, Anara, Tamluk, Haldia, Barabhum and Siuri stations.
Additionally, two railway projects were dedicated to the nation:
16-km third rail line between Belda and Dantan
Automatic Block Signalling system between Kalaikunda and Kanimohuli in the South Eastern Railway zone.
