Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a slew of infrastructure projects worth more than Rs 4,500 crore in northern West Bengal on Saturday (March 9). This was PM Modi’s third visit to the state the month where he revealed the projects at a ceremony in Siliguri, the largest city in the region. Governor CV Ananda Bose was among the attendees at the event.
“Over the last 10 years, development of the state, especially its northern region, has been a priority for our government. We need 21st century infrastructure for the development of this area,” PM Modi said.
Railways projects inaugurated by PM Modi in West Bengal
Modi asserted that the allocation for railway projects in West Bengal, particularly in the northern region, has significantly increased under the BJP’s governance at the Centre. According to an official statement, the Prime Minister inaugurated several railway line electrification projects aimed at benefiting the residents of northern West Bengal and neighboring areas.
These projects include the electrification of the Eklakhi-Balurghat, Barsoi-Radhikapur, Raninagar Jalpaiguri-Haldibari sections, as well as the Siliguri-Aluabari section via Bagdogra and the Siliguri-Sivok-Alipurduar Junction-Samuktala section.
“We have completed the electrification of railways here, which will not only enhance the pace of connectivity but also save the surrounding areas from pollution,” Modi said.
“The benefits of the electrification process here will be reaped by the people of neighbouring Bihar as well,” he said.
The projects inaugurated during the day are steps we are taking towards ‘Viksit Bengal’, he said.
“There was a time when trains would slow down upon moving towards Northeast, but not anymore. We are streamlining development here,” Modi added.
He additionally launched the doubling of the railway line in the Manigram-Nimtita section and the implementation of automatic block signalling in the Ambari-Falakata-Aluabari section. The Prime Minister also initiated a new passenger train service between Siliguri and Radhikapur, as stated in the release. These initiatives are expected to enhance rail connectivity, streamline freight movement, and foster employment opportunities, thereby fostering economic growth in the region.
“We now have train services from West Bengal to Bangladesh. We are bridging the gap between the two nations in cooperation with the Bangladesh government,” the PM said.
Raad projects inaugurated in West Bengal
Additionally, the Prime Minister inaugurated two national highway projects valued at Rs 3,100 crore. These include the four-lane Ghoshpukur-Dhupguri section and the four-lane Islampur Bypass on NH 27. Notably, the Ghoshpukur-Dhupguri Section serves as a crucial segment of the north-south transport corridor, facilitating connectivity between eastern India and the rest of the nation.
During his previous two visits earlier this month, the Prime Minister toured various districts in southern West Bengal, including Hooghly, Nadia, and North 24 Parganas, which are considered strongholds of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). On March 1, he revealed projects valued at Rs 7,200 crore in Arambagh, Hooghly district, followed by the unveiling of projects worth Rs 15,000 crore in Krishnanagar, Nadia, on March 2. Continuing his focus on infrastructure development, on March 6, the Prime Minister inaugurated multiple metro railway projects in Kolkata.