Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled connectivity projects worth Rs 18,680 crore in West Bengal today, as he called it a ‘new chapter’ in the country’s development being written from the state.
The foundation stone was laid for the five sections of the 231 km-long four-lane Kharagpur-Moregram economic corridor, which is expected to reduce the distance by around 120 km, saving around seven to eight hours of travel. The road, which is part of the economic corridor between Kharagpur and Siliguri, will pass through Paschim Medinipur, Bankura, Hooghly, Purba Bardhaman, Birbhum, and Murshidabad districts.
The corridor will integrate key national highways, including NH-16, NH-19, NH-14, and NH-12, thereby strengthening multi-corridor connectivity, said the official statement.
Along with this, PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for the construction of a 5.6-km-long four-lane Dubrajpur Bypass and additional four-lane major bridges over the Kangshabati and Shilabati rivers on NH-14.
He flagged off the Purulia-Anand Vihar Terminal Express and unveiled six railway stations that were redeveloped under the Amrit Station scheme. These stations are Kamakhyaguri, Anara, Tamluk, Haldia, Barabhum, and Siuri.
Modi also dedicated two railway projects to the nation — the 16-km-long third rail line between Belda and Dantan and the automatic block signalling system between Kalaikunda and Kanimohuli in the South Eastern Railway zone.
What else?
- He also inaugurated sections of NH-19 and NH-114, which will enhance road safety, reduce travel time, ease congestion and pollution, improve regional connectivity, and boost tourism and economic growth in the region.
- The mechanisation of Berth 2 at Haldia Dock Complex has been inaugurated, which will enable efficient, faster, and environment-friendly cargo handling, and the rejuvenation project at Khidderpore Docks (Dock 1 - West).
- Foundation stones were also laid for multiple port infrastructure projects, including the mechanisation of Berth 5 at Haldia Dock Complex and the renovation of the Bascule Bridge in Kolkata.
- PM laid the foundation for a river cruise terminal and river tourism facility near the Indenture Memorial in the city.
Assembly elections in West Bengal are expected to be held in the state in April.
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