Kolkata, 12 June (H.S.): West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday said that India, once considered lagging in infrastructure development, has emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 12 years of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) rule at the Centre.

Addressing a press conference on the occasion of the NDA government completing 12 years in office, Adhikari highlighted major achievements in infrastructure, transportation, and economic development across the country.

The Chief Minister said that 1,317 new and modernised railway stations have been developed nationwide over the past 12 years. He also noted that more than 164 Vande Bharat trains are currently operating across different parts of the country.

“Rajdhani Express and Shatabdi Express were once regarded as the symbols of modern railway services. Today, Vande Bharat trains represent the aspirations of a new India,” Adhikari said. He added that improved connectivity under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership has reduced travel time between distant regions of the country and accelerated economic activity.

Highlighting progress in the civil aviation sector, Adhikari said that the number of airports in India has more than doubled since 2014. “There were 74 airports in the country in 2014. More than 90 new airports have been built during the last 12 years,” he said.

The Chief Minister also pointed to significant advancements in road infrastructure, stating that nearly four lakh kilometres of roads have been constructed during the period. He said national highways have been expanded substantially and connectivity has been strengthened in border and remote regions.

“These developments have transformed the country’s economic structure. Growth is no longer confined to metropolitan cities but has reached villages and remote corners of the nation,” he said.

Speaking about West Bengal, Adhikari said development activities in the state have gained momentum within just one month of the new government taking office, owing to improved coordination between the state and the Centre.

“Union ministers are regularly visiting West Bengal, and we are also in constant touch with the central government in New Delhi. As a result, project approvals and implementation processes are moving much faster,” he said.

The Chief Minister also confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit West Bengal later this month on a two-day tour.

According to Adhikari, on June 20, which will be observed as ‘Bengal Foundation Day’, the Prime Minister will address a public gathering in Tarakeswar in Hooghly district and is expected to announce several development projects for the state.

On June 21, Modi is scheduled to participate in a special programme in Kolkata to mark the International Day of Yoga.

Adhikari said the Prime Minister’s visit would further strengthen cooperation between the Centre and the state and provide fresh impetus to West Bengal’s development initiatives.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh