Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kolkata to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for development projects worth ₹18,680 crore, including national highways, railway upgrades, port modernisation and shipping infrastructure.
PM Modi to Visit Kolkata for Major Infrastructure Push
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kolkata, West Bengal, on Friday to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for multiple infrastructure projects worth approximately ₹18,680 crore.
The projects span the road, railway, shipping and port sectors and are aimed at improving connectivity, reducing travel time, enhancing logistics efficiency and supporting economic growth across West Bengal and eastern India.
In addition to the development programmes, the Prime Minister is also scheduled to address a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) political rally in Kolkata.
National Highway Projects Worth Nearly ₹16,990 Crore
A major highlight of the visit will be the inauguration and foundation laying of National Highway projects valued at around ₹16,990 crore, covering a combined length of more than 420 kilometres.
Among the projects to be inaugurated are completed sections of:
- NH-19 in West Bengal and Jharkhand
- NH-114 in West Bengal
These highway projects are expected to:
- Improve road safety
- Reduce travel time
- Ease traffic congestion
- Lower vehicle emissions
- Enhance regional connectivity
- Promote tourism and trade
- Support economic development
Foundation Stone for Kharagpur–Moregram Economic Corridor
Prime Minister Modi will lay the foundation stone for five packages of the 231-kilometre four-lane Kharagpur–Moregram Economic Corridor on NH-116A.
The corridor forms part of the larger Kharagpur–Siliguri Economic Corridor and will pass through the districts of:
- Paschim Medinipur
- Bankura
- Hooghly
- Purba Bardhaman
- Birbhum
- Murshidabad
According to the government, the project will reduce the travel distance between Kharagpur and Moregram by nearly 120 kilometres while cutting journey time by approximately 7 to 8 hours.
Dubrajpur Bypass and New River Bridges
The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for a 5.6-kilometre four-lane Dubrajpur Bypass on NH-14.
The bypass is expected to decongest the busy urban areas of Dubrajpur and reduce travel time by nearly one hour.
Additionally, foundation stones will be laid for the construction of additional four-lane major bridges across the Kangshabati and Shilabati rivers on NH-14 to strengthen regional road connectivity.
Port and Shipping Projects
As part of his visit, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate several maritime infrastructure projects.
These include:
- The mechanisation project at Berth No. 2 of the Haldia Dock Complex, aimed at improving cargo handling efficiency, speed and environmental sustainability.
- The rejuvenation project at Khidderpore Docks (Dock 1 – West) to modernise port infrastructure and improve operational capacity.
The projects are expected to enhance logistics efficiency and strengthen the role of West Bengal’s ports in supporting trade.
Railway Connectivity to Receive Major Boost
In the railway sector, the Prime Minister will flag off the Purulia–Anand Vihar Terminal (Delhi) Express, improving rail connectivity between:
- West Bengal
- Jharkhand
- Bihar
- Uttar Pradesh
- National Capital Region (Delhi)
He will also inaugurate six redeveloped railway stations under the Amrit Station Scheme.
Additionally, two railway infrastructure projects will be dedicated to the nation:
- The 16-kilometre third railway line between Belda and Dantan.
- The Automatic Block Signalling system between Kalaikunda and Kanimohuli.
These projects are expected to improve train safety, reduce congestion, enhance punctuality and increase operational efficiency across the railway network.
Political Rally Ahead of Assembly Elections
Apart from the official programmes, Prime Minister Modi will address a BJP rally in Kolkata.
The event is expected to mark the party’s major political outreach ahead of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections.
Party workers and supporters from different districts have begun arriving in Kolkata for the rally. The visit also comes shortly after the Election Commission of India conducted election preparedness meetings in the state.
Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch development projects worth ₹18,680 crore during his visit to Kolkata.
- National Highway projects worth ₹16,990 crore covering over 420 kilometres will be inaugurated and launched.
- The Kharagpur–Moregram Economic Corridor is expected to reduce travel distance by 120 kilometres and save 7–8 hours of travel time.
- The Prime Minister will inaugurate key port projects at Haldia Dock Complex and Khidderpore Docks.
- Railway projects include a new express train, six redeveloped stations and infrastructure upgrades under the Amrit Station Scheme.
- Prime Minister Modi will also address a BJP rally ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections.
FAQs
What is the total value of the projects Prime Minister Modi will launch in Kolkata?
The projects have a combined value of approximately ₹18,680 crore.
Which highway project is a major highlight of the visit?
The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for five packages of the 231-kilometre Kharagpur–Moregram Economic Corridor on NH-116A.
Which railway projects will be inaugurated?
Prime Minister Modi will flag off the Purulia–Anand Vihar Terminal Express, inaugurate six redeveloped railway stations and dedicate two railway infrastructure projects to the nation.
What port projects will be launched?
The Prime Minister will inaugurate the mechanisation project at Haldia Dock Complex and the rejuvenation project at Khidderpore Docks.
Will Prime Minister Modi hold any political programmes during the visit?
Yes. In addition to the official development programmes, he is scheduled to address a BJP political rally in Kolkata ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections.
