Ahead of polls, PM Modi launches Rs 18,680 cr connectivity push in West Bengal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday unveiled connectivity and infrastructure projects worth Rs 18,680 crore in West Bengal, weeks before the state is expected to go to the polls.

Among the key initiatives, the prime minister laid the foundation stone for the 231 km-long four-lane Kharagpur–Moregram economic corridor. The project is expected to reduce the distance by around 120 km and save nearly seven to eight hours of travel time.

Officials said the road forms part of the economic corridor between Kharagpur and Siliguri. It will pass through Paschim Medinipur, Bankura, Hooghly, Purba Bardhaman, Birbhum and Murshidabad districts.

The corridor will integrate several national highways, including NH-16, NH-19, NH-14 and NH-12, strengthening multi-corridor connectivity across the region, officials added.

The prime minister also laid the foundation stone for the construction of a 5.6 km-long four-lane Dubrajpur Bypass. In addition, foundation stones were laid for additional four-lane major bridges over the Kangshabati and Shilabati rivers on NH-14.

Modi also inaugurated sections of NH-19 and NH-114. According to officials, these projects will enhance road safety, reduce travel time, ease congestion and pollution, improve regional connectivity, and support tourism and economic activity in the region.

In the port sector, the prime minister inaugurated the mechanisation of Berth 2 at Haldia Dock Complex. The project is aimed at enabling efficient, faster and environment-friendly cargo handling.

He also inaugurated the rejuvenation project at Khidderpore Docks (Dock 1 – West).

Foundation stones were laid for several port infrastructure initiatives, including the mechanisation of Berth 5 at Haldia Dock Complex and the renovation of the Bascule Bridge in Kolkata.

The prime minister also laid the foundation for a river cruise terminal and river tourism facility near the Indenture Memorial in Kolkata.

In the railway sector, Modi flagged off the Purulia–Anand Vihar Terminal Express.

He also unveiled six railway stations redeveloped under the Amrit Station scheme. The stations are Kamakhyaguri, Anara, Tamluk, Haldia, Barabhum and Siuri.

Two railway projects were also dedicated 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.

Assembly elections in West Bengal are expected to be held in April.