West Bengal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday dedicated and launched West Bengal infrastructure projects worth over ₹830 crore, covering inland waterways, ports and rail connectivity.
Addressing a virtual programme from Singur in Hooghly district, Modi said eastern India’s development was vital for a developed India. Therefore, the Union government continued to prioritise infrastructure growth in West Bengal.
He noted that during his recent visits, projects worth hundreds of crores had been inaugurated. Moreover, these initiatives aimed to strengthen logistics, transport and regional connectivity.
The Prime Minister highlighted key rail projects launched over the past two days. Notably, West Bengal flagged off the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. In addition, nearly six Amrit Bharat Express trains began operations earlier.
On Saturday, three more Amrit Bharat Express services were launched. As a result, connectivity improved with Varanasi, Delhi and Tamil Nadu. Modi described the past 24 hours as unprecedented for Bengal’s rail network.
Meanwhile, Modi stressed West Bengal’s strong potential for inland waterways. He said the Centre was supporting port-led development to unlock economic opportunities. Consequently, the state could emerge as a manufacturing and logistics hub.
West Bengal infrastructure projects strengthen waterways and rail network
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the West Bengal infrastructure projects marked a major expansion of inland waterways and rail transport. As a result, cargo movement would improve and multimodal connectivity would strengthen.
Projects worth ₹552 crore were launched in the ports and inland waterways sector. A key highlight was the Extended Port Gate System at Balagarh. The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority developed the facility to reduce congestion at Kolkata Dock System.
The Balagarh terminal includes two berths and can handle 2.7 million tonnes annually. Additionally, it connects with National Waterway-1 and road and rail networks, boosting logistics efficiency.
As part of clean transport initiatives, Modi also launched a 50-passenger hybrid electric catamaran. Built at a cost of ₹12 crore, the vessel uses advanced battery technology. Therefore, it offers an energy-efficient option for passenger transport on Kolkata waterways.
Later, the Prime Minister inaugurated railway projects worth ₹280 crore. These included the Jayrambati–Barogopinathpur–Maynapur rail section. A new passenger service on this route will benefit daily commuters and students.
Furthermore, three Amrit Bharat Express trains were flagged off. They connect Santragachi–Tambaram, Howrah–Anand Vihar Terminal and Sealdah–Banaras. As a result, economic, cultural and religious corridors will strengthen nationwide.
Governor C.V. Ananda Bose and Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal, Shantanu Thakur and Sukanta Majumdar attended the event. The Centre said the projects would reduce logistics costs and ease congestion. Ultimately, they will reinforce West Bengal’s role as a gateway to eastern and north-eastern India.
