New Delhi, 19 December (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit West Bengal on December 20, where he is scheduled to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for two National Highway projects worth approximately ₹3,200 crore. The event will take place at Ranaghat in Nadia district at around 11:15 a.m., where the Prime Minister will also address a public gathering.

The projects mark a major boost to the state’s road infrastructure and regional connectivity, serving as a vital link between Kolkata and Siliguri—the main corridor connecting northern and southern parts of West Bengal.

As part of the visit, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the 66.7 km four‑laning of the Barajaguli–Krishnanagar section of NH‑34 in Nadia district, enhancing capacity, safety, and travel comfort along this crucial route. He will also lay the foundation stone for the four‑laning of the 17.6 km Barasat–Barajaguli section of the same highway in North 24 Parganas district.

Together, these projects will significantly reduce travel time by nearly two hours between Kolkata and Siliguri, ensuring smoother vehicle movement, lower operating costs, and uninterrupted traffic flow.

The upgraded network will also strengthen connectivity between Kolkata and neighboring districts, while improving trade and transport access with bordering countries through North Bengal.

Beyond connectivity, the highway expansion is expected to stimulate economic activity, promote investment, and boost tourism across the region. Officials note that the new road infrastructure will act as a catalyst for regional development, creating jobs and fostering balanced growth throughout eastern India.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar