Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kolkata today to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for infrastructure projects worth around ₹18,680 crore, covering highways, railways, ports and shipping.
PM Modi Set to Launch Major Infrastructure Projects in Kolkata
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kolkata on Wednesday to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth around ₹18,680 crore, giving a significant boost to road, railway and port infrastructure in West Bengal.
The projects, spanning highways, shipping, ports and railways, are aimed at improving connectivity, reducing travel time and accelerating economic growth across eastern India. During his visit, the Prime Minister will also address a political rally organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Highway Projects Worth Nearly ₹17,000 Crore
A major focus of the Prime Minister’s visit will be the launch of National Highway projects worth approximately ₹16,990 crore, covering more than 420 kilometres.
Among the projects being inaugurated are sections of NH-19 in West Bengal and Jharkhand, as well as NH-114 in West Bengal. These road projects are expected to enhance road safety, reduce traffic congestion and pollution, improve regional connectivity and support tourism and economic activity.
Modi will also lay the foundation stone for five packages of the 231-kilometre, four-lane Kharagpur-Moregram economic corridor on NH-116A. The corridor, which forms part of the Kharagpur-Siliguri route, will pass through the districts of Paschim Medinipur, Bankura, Hooghly, Purba Bardhaman, Birbhum and Murshidabad.
According to officials, the project will reduce the travel distance between Kharagpur and Moregram by around 120 kilometres and cut journey times by nearly seven to eight hours.
The Prime Minister will also launch the construction of the 5.6-kilometre Dubrajpur Bypass on NH-14 and additional four-lane bridges over the Kangshabati and Shilabati rivers.
Boost for Ports and Shipping Infrastructure
During the visit, Modi will inaugurate several shipping and port-related projects designed to modernise cargo operations in the state.
The projects include the mechanisation of Berth No. 2 at the Haldia Dock Complex, which is expected to improve cargo-handling efficiency while making operations faster and more environmentally friendly.
The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the rejuvenation project at Khidderpore Docks (Dock 1 – West), aimed at strengthening port infrastructure and enhancing maritime trade.
Railway Projects to Improve Connectivity
In the railway sector, Modi will flag off the Purulia–Anand Vihar Terminal Express, strengthening rail links between West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and the National Capital Region.
He will also inaugurate six redeveloped railway stations under the Amrit Station Scheme.
Additionally, the Prime Minister will dedicate two railway projects to the nation:
- The 16-kilometre third rail line between Belda and Dantan.
- The Automatic Block Signalling system between Kalaikunda and Kanimohuli.
These projects are expected to improve train safety, increase punctuality and reduce congestion on busy rail routes.
BJP Kicks Off Election Campaign Ahead of Assembly Polls
Apart from the infrastructure projects, Prime Minister Modi will address a BJP rally in Kolkata, marking the beginning of the party’s campaign for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections.
Party workers and supporters from different districts have already started arriving in Kolkata for the event.
The Prime Minister’s visit comes shortly after the Election Commission held election preparedness meetings in the city, signalling the start of political activity ahead of the state polls.
Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch projects worth ₹18,680 crore in Kolkata.
- National Highway projects worth ₹16,990 crore covering over 420 kilometres will be inaugurated or launched.
- The Kharagpur-Moregram economic corridor is expected to reduce travel time by up to eight hours.
- Port projects at Haldia Dock Complex and Khidderpore Docks will be inaugurated.
- Modi will also flag off the Purulia–Anand Vihar Express and address a BJP rally.
FAQs
How much are the projects being launched by PM Modi worth?
The projects have a combined value of approximately ₹18,680 crore.
Which major highway project will receive a boost?
The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the 231-kilometre Kharagpur-Moregram economic corridor on NH-116A.
Which train will PM Modi flag off?
He will flag off the Purulia–Anand Vihar Terminal Express.
Why is PM Modi’s visit politically significant?
The visit includes a BJP rally in Kolkata and marks the beginning of the party’s campaign for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections.
