Kolkata, 20 December (H.S.):

West Bengal Governor Dr C.V. Ananda Bose on Saturday inaugurated national highway projects worth ₹3,200 crore in the state, aimed at boosting economic activity and promoting tourism. The programme was held at Netaji Park in the Taherpur area of Nadia district.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for the projects. However, his helicopter could not land at Taherpur due to dense fog and poor visibility, forcing him to return to Kolkata airport. The Prime Minister later addressed the public meeting through an audio message from Kolkata. In his absence, Governor Ananda Bose formally inaugurated the projects at the venue.

The Governor inaugurated the four-laning of the 66.7-kilometre Barajaguli–Krishnanagar stretch of National Highway 34 in Nadia district. He also laid the foundation stone for the four-laning of the Barasat–Barajaguli stretch of the highway in neighbouring North 24 Parganas district.

Addressing the gathering via audio call, Prime Minister Modi said the government has consistently worked to ensure modern connectivity reaches remote and backward regions of West Bengal. He apologised to the people for not being able to attend the programme in person due to adverse weather conditions.

The Prime Minister said the projects would serve as a crucial link between Kolkata and Siliguri, reducing travel time by nearly two hours and ensuring faster and smoother vehicular movement. He added that the improved connectivity would strengthen links between the state capital, other districts of West Bengal and neighbouring countries.

Modi said the projects would give a major boost to economic growth in the region and provide fresh momentum to tourism across the area.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh