Kolkata, 14 March (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple development projects worth approximately ₹18,680 crore in West Bengal's capital Kolkata. Encompassing roads, railways, and port infrastructure, these initiatives aim to fortify connectivity and accelerate economic growth across West Bengal and eastern India.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister declared that a new chapter in West Bengal and eastern India's development dawns from Kolkata's soil today. He emphasized that these over ₹18,000 crore projects will spur trade, industry, and employment while simplifying life for millions.

PM Modi highlighted that the Kharpur-Morgram Expressway's completion will invigorate economic activities across swathes of West Bengal. Complemented by Dubrajpur Bypass and major bridges over Kangshabati and Shilabati rivers, regional connectivity will see marked enhancements. He congratulated West Bengal and eastern India's people on these milestones.

He affirmed rapid modernization of India's railways, ensuring West Bengal stays ahead with expanding infrastructure for superior passenger and freight services.

The Prime Minister noted he would proceed post-ceremony to the adjacent open ground teeming with Bengal's masses for direct public dialogue on key issues.

To bolster road networks, PM Modi launched and initiated over 420 km of national highways costing nearly ₹16,990 crore. Inaugurations included NH-19 segments in West Bengal and Jharkhand, plus NH-114 stretches in West Bengal, promising safer roads, shorter travel times, reduced congestion and pollution, enhanced regional links, tourism boost, and economic surge.

He laid foundation stones for new highways, including five packages of the 231-km four-lane Kharpur-Morgram economic corridor on NH-116A—integral to the proposed corridor linking Kharpur and Siliguri, traversing West Medinipur, Bankura, Hooghly, East Burdwan, Birbhum, and Murshidabad districts.

This corridor will slash Kharpur-Morgram distance by about 120 km and save 7-8 hours in travel time, interconnecting NH-16, NH-19, NH-14, and NH-12 for robust multi-corridor access.

PM Modi initiated the 5.6-km four-lane Dubrajpur Bypass on NH-14, easing dense urban traffic and trimming one hour off journeys.He also launched construction of additional four-lane bridges over Kangshabati and Shilabati rivers on NH-14, streamlining traffic and freight movement.

In shipping and ports,PM Modi inaugurated Haldia Dock Complex's Berth No. 2 mechanization for faster, efficient, eco-friendly cargo handling and enhanced rail loading. He also unveiled Kidderpore Docks' refurbishment and laid stones for multiple projects under Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, including Haldia Berth No. 5 mechanization.

These encompass Kolkata Dock System's bascule bridge renovation, yard development with drainage at Kidderpore Dock-I (East) and Dock-II (East), Howrah Bridge to Nimtala Ghat riverbank protection, and a modern river cruise terminal to promote waterway tourism.

In railways,PM Modi flagged off the new Purulia-Anand Vihar Terminal (Delhi) Express, strengthening links between West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and the national capital region.

He inaugurated six redeveloped stations under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: Kamakhya Guri, Anara, Tamluk, Haldia, Barabhum, and Siuri, equipped with modern amenities and superior infrastructure.

Additionally,PM Modi dedicated the 16-km third rail line between Beldah and Dantan, plus automatic block signaling between Kalaikunda and Kanimoohuli, enhancing train safety, punctuality, and network capacity.The government stated these endeavors will reinforce infrastructure, amplify connectivity, and propel economic momentum across West Bengal and eastern India.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar