Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Aimed at strengthening connectivity and accelerating economic growth across eastern India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 14 laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects worth around Rs18,700 crore in Kolkata, West Bengal. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said the projects related to roads, railways and port infrastructure would give fresh momentum to trade and industry while improving the quality of life for lakhs of people. He noted that projects such as the Kharagpur–Moregram Expressway, the Dubrajpur Bypass and new bridges over the Kangsabati and Shilabati rivers would significantly enhance connectivity across the state.
Highlighting railway development, PM Modi said a nationwide campaign is underway to modernise Indian Railways and stressed that West Bengal should not be left behind in the process. He dedicated the Automatic Block Signalling System on the Kalaikunda–Kanimahuli section and inaugurated six redeveloped stations—Kamakhyaguri, Anara, Tamluk, Haldia, Barabhum and Siuri—under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. PM Modi also flagged off a new express train between Purulia and Anand Vihar Terminal, which will benefit passengers travelling between West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. Emphasising the importance of port-led development, the Prime Minister said ports such as Kolkata Port and Haldia Dock Complex have long been major trade hubs in eastern India. He noted that mechanisation at Haldia Dock Complex will speed up cargo handling, increase port capacity and strengthen trade infrastructure.
