Ahead of Narendra Modi's major public meeting at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground on March 14, the Prime Minister announced a significant boost to railway infrastructure in West Bengal and Jharkhand, signalling a major development push in the region.
On Tuesday, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Modi, approved a multi-tracking railway project covering 192 kilometres across five districts of West Bengal and Jharkhand. The project has been estimated at a cost of about Rs 4,474 crore and is aimed at improving rail capacity and connectivity in eastern India.
Among the projects cleared by the Cabinet, two routes have drawn particular attention. These include the fourth railway line between Sainthia and Pakur, and the fourth line between Santragachi and Kharagpur. According to the Prime Minister, the projects will significantly enhance railway efficiency, reduce congestion and strengthen inter-state connectivity.
Modi stated that the new rail infrastructure will facilitate smoother transportation of goods while also accelerating economic activity and promoting an environmentally friendly transport network. Railway sources said the improved connectivity will benefit major pilgrimage and tourist destinations such as Bolpur–Shantiniketan, Tarapith and the Nandikeshwari Temple.
The project has a target completion timeline of 2030-31 and is expected to directly benefit around 14.7 lakh people living in nearly 5,652 villages. It is also expected to significantly improve the transportation of coal, stone and cement across the region.
Political observers say the announcement of such a large railway project just before the Brigade rally and ahead of the assembly elections carries considerable political significance. Many believe the Modi government aims to send a strong message of development to the people of West Bengal and neighbouring Jharkhand through this initiative.
Meanwhile, preparations for the Prime Minister’s rally at Brigade Parade Ground have run into a sudden security hurdle. With only three days left for the event, officials from the Special Protection Group (SPG), responsible for the Prime Minister’s security, have ordered the removal of the main stage that had already been erected at the venue.
During a security inspection on Tuesday afternoon, SPG officers stated that the soil beneath the stage requires detailed examination. Using advanced technology, security agencies plan to conduct a deep ground scan to ensure that there are no hidden threats below the surface. Until a fully secure perimeter is established, the stage cannot remain at the location, they said.
As a result, the wooden platform and iron pillar framework of the stage have been ordered to be dismantled immediately. The stage will only be reconstructed after the SPG is satisfied with the results of the ground safety assessment.
Preparations for the rally had begun last Sunday, and much of the stage structure under a large hangar had already been completed. With limited time left, rebuilding the stage could be challenging. However, BJP leaders remain confident that the structure can be reconstructed quickly once security clearance is granted.
Party organisers say the bigger challenge lies in managing the large-scale arrangements at the venue, including barricading the vast ground with poles, dividing it into multiple blocks and installing sound systems across the field. Despite the sudden setback, BJP leaders hope that all preparations will be completed on time before the Prime Minister’s programme on Saturday.
Also read: PM Modi launches projects over ₹10K crore in Kerala
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