After laying the foundation for multiple development projects worth more than Rs 7,000 crores in West Bengal’s Arambagh on Friday, today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Krishnanagar where he laid the foundation stone for several development projects worth Rs 15,000 crore. These projects span various sectors like power, rail and road.
What projects did PM Modi lay the foundation for today?
Among the several projects the Prime Minister laid the foundation for today is Phase II of the Raghunathpur Thermal Power Station, situated in Purulia district. This expansion, comprising two units of 660 MW each, employs cutting-edge supercritical technology, enhancing efficiency. The project, spearheaded by the Damodar Valley Corporation, marks a significant stride in bolstering the nation’s energy security.
Besides this, PM Modi also inaugurated the Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) system for Units 7 & 8 at the Mejia Thermal Power Station. This state-of-the-art system, crafted at an expenditure of approximately Rs 650 crore, is designed to eliminate sulfur dioxide from flue gases, resulting in the production of clean flue gas and the formation of gypsum, a byproduct that finds utility in the cement industry.
The road project aimed at four-laning the Farakka-Raiganj Section of NH-12, spanning 100 kilometers was also inaugurated by him today. This initiative, developed at an estimated cost of approximately Rs 1986 crore, is poised to alleviate traffic congestion, enhance connectivity, and foster socio-economic progress in North Bengal and the Northeast region.
Additionally, the Prime Minister dedicated to the nation four railway projects in West Bengal, totaling more than Rs 940 crore. These include the doubling of the Damodar-Mohishila rail line, the establishment of a third line between Rampurhat and Murarai, the doubling of the Bazarsau-Azimganj rail line, and the creation of a new line connecting Azimganj to Murshidabad. These endeavors are set to bolster rail connectivity, streamline freight movement, and contribute to economic and industrial growth in the region.
India’s seriousness towards environmental issues
While inaugurating the projects, PM Modi said that the Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) system is an example of “India’s seriousness towards environmental issues”. He added that the state of West Bengal plays the role of an ‘eastern gate’ for India and has immense potential for opportunities for the eastern region.