Prime Minister Narendra Modi sharpened his attack on the Trinamool Congress on Thursday, declaring that public discontent in West Bengal was mounting and that people were “eagerly looking towards the BJP with hope.”
In a post on social media platform X, Modi wrote, “I am eager to be among @BJP4Bengal Karyakartas at a rally in Kolkata. With each passing day, public anger against the TMC is increasing. West Bengal is eagerly looking towards the BJP with hope because of our development agenda.”
The Prime Minister’s visit to West Bengal on Friday will coincide with a major infrastructure push, including the inauguration of metro projects that promise to overhaul urban mobility in Kolkata. He underscored that the focus of the programmes would be on connectivity.
“It is always a delight to be among the people of Kolkata, a city whose development we are greatly committed to. Tomorrow's programmes in the city are mainly focused on connectivity. The metro services, which will be flagged off, include Noapara-Jai Hind Bimanbandar, Sealdah-Esplanade and Beleghata-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay routes. Connectivity to and from the airport as well as the IT hub areas will be enhanced,” Modi stated.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi will flag off the Noapara-Jai Hind Bimanbandar service from Jessore Road Metro Station, while simultaneously launching the Sealdah-Esplanade and Beleghata-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay routes through video link. He is also scheduled to take a ride from Jessore Road to Jai Hind Bimanbandar and back.
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The 13.61-km-long new metro network, connecting some of Kolkata’s busiest stretches, is expected to cut travel time sharply. The Sealdah-Esplanade corridor, for instance, will reduce a 40-minute journey to just 11 minutes. The Beleghata–Hemanta Mukhopadhyay section is billed as a critical link for the IT hub, while the airport connection through Noapara-Jai Hind Bimanbandar promises major relief for travellers.
In addition, a newly constructed subway at Howrah Metro Station will be inaugurated. Together, the initiatives are intended to strengthen multimodal connectivity for lakhs of daily commuters.
Infrastructure expansion will not be limited to rail. The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of a six-lane elevated Kona Expressway, stretching 7.2 km and valued at over ₹1,200 crore. Officials said the project would significantly improve links between Howrah, surrounding rural belts and Kolkata, saving hours of travel time and giving a decisive boost to trade, commerce and tourism.
During his visit, Modi will also address a public gathering in Kolkata. His Bengal engagement forms part of a two-state tour, with Bihar also on the itinerary. (
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