Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated multiple projects in Kolkata
Honourable Governor Shri R. N. Ravi Ji, my colleague at the Centre Shri Shantanu Thakur Ji, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar Ji, Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly Shri Suvendu Adhikari Ji, my colleague in Parliament Shri Samik Bhattacharya Ji, other public representatives, ladies and gentlemen.
Today, from the soil of Kolkata, a new chapter is being written in the development of West Bengal and Eastern India. Projects related to road, rail and port infrastructure worth more than ₹18,000 crore have been inaugurated and their foundation stones laid. These projects will provide a new momentum to West Bengal and Eastern India. As a result, trade and commerce will flourish, the lives of lakhs of people will become easier and they will get new opportunities.
Once the Kharagpur–Morgram Expressway is completed, economic activities will increase in many parts of West Bengal. The Dubrajpur Bypass and the large bridges built over the Kansabati and Shilabati rivers will further improve connectivity. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of West Bengal and the entire Eastern India for these projects.
Friends, today a rapid mission is underway to modernize the railways in the country. Our resolve is that West Bengal should not remain behind in this mission. Therefore, the Central Government is continuously making efforts to rapidly expand railway infrastructure in West Bengal. Today, the Automatic Block Signalling System in the Kalaikunda and Kanimahuli sections has been dedicated to the nation. This will increase the capacity of busy railway lines, make travel safer and also enhance speed and convenience for passengers.
Friends, today six stations—Kamakhyaguri, Anara, Tamluk, Haldia, Barabhum and Suri—have been inaugurated as ‘Amrit Stations’. The reflection of Bengal’s great culture will be more prominently visible at these stations. Reconstruction work of many more stations is currently underway. A new express train service between Purulia and Anand Vihar Terminal has also been inaugurated. This train service will benefit not only West Bengal but also the people of Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.
Friends, road and rail connectivity are important, but ports and waterways also play an equally significant role. For decades, the potential of Eastern India in this sector had been largely neglected. But today waterways are opening new avenues for trade and industrial development. With this objective, important projects related to port infrastructure have been inaugurated and their foundation stones laid today. Ports like Kolkata and Haldia have long been the main centres of trade in Eastern India. The Haldia Dock Complex is being modernised. This will accelerate cargo operations, increase port capacity and create new opportunities for trade. The Bascul Bridge in the Kolkata Dock System is being renovated. We are also placing special emphasis on increasing cargo handling capacity at Kidderpore Dock. Through all these projects, the logistics system of Eastern India will become stronger.
Friends, these new projects related to roads, railways and ports are creating a new direction for the modern future of West Bengal. Farmers, traders, entrepreneurs and students will all benefit from this. New opportunities will also emerge in the tourism sector. Local industries and service sectors will become more dynamic. Our resolve is that just as Bengal has always shown the way to India, that pride should return and Bengal should once again become an ‘Developed Bengal’. I firmly believe that strong connectivity and modern infrastructure will form the foundation of a developed Bengal.
With this aspiration, I once again congratulate all of you for these development projects. After completing this government programme, I will proceed to an open ground where I will meet the people of Bengal and discuss several very important issues with the common people of the state. That is all for this programme. Many thanks and best wishes to everyone.
