Prime Minister inaugurated projects worth Rs 830 crore in West Bengal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that rapid and comprehensive development of eastern India, particularly West Bengal, is essential to achieve the goal of a developed India. Neither industrial expansion nor large-scale employment generation for the youth is possible without a robust infrastructure of ports, waterways, railways, and multi-modal connectivity. The central government has been consistently investing in West Bengal over the past 11 years to make it a global hub for manufacturing, trade, and logistics.

On Sunday, the Prime Minister inaugurated, laid the foundation stone, and launched various development projects worth over Rs 830 crore in Sagardighi, Hooghly district, West Bengal. These projects aim to strengthen the inland water transport infrastructure, port-based infrastructure, rail connectivity, and green transportation in the state. The projects include the extension of the existing port gate system at Balagarh on the River Hooghly. Under this project, an inland water transport terminal and a road-over-bridge are being constructed. This project will significantly increase the capacity of the Syama Prasad Mukherjee Port, Kolkata. A significant portion of the cargo will be shifted from Kolkata city to Balagarh, which will reduce traffic congestion, pollution, and logistics pressure in the metropolis.

The Prime Minister also launched a hybrid electric catamaran in Kolkata. The modern vessel, made of special aluminum, has a capacity of 50 passengers and features an air-conditioned cabin. Operating in zero-emission mode, the catamaran will promote urban river transportation, eco-friendly tourism, and last-mile connectivity on the River Hooghly.

West Bengal Governor Anand Bose, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of State for Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State for Education and Development of the North Eastern Region Sankanta Majumdar, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly Suvendu Adhikari, MP Shanta Bhattacherjee, and several public representatives and officials were present.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the development of eastern India is a priority for the central government, and the events of the past two days further strengthen this resolve. He had the opportunity to lay the foundation stone and inaugurate development projects worth crores of rupees in West Bengal over the past two days.

The Prime Minister noted that the past 24 hours have been historic for West Bengal's rail connectivity. The country's first Vande Bharat sleeper train has been launched from the state, and Bengal has received almost half a dozen new Vande Bharat trains. Three new Vande Bharat Express trains were launched on Sunday, one of which will further strengthen Bengal's connection with Kashi. Additionally, Vande Bharat Express trains have been launched for Delhi and Tamil Nadu. He said that perhaps in the past 100 years, such extensive work has not been done in the railway sector in 24 hours.

The Prime Minister said that West Bengal has immense potential for waterways, and the central government is working seriously in this direction. The central government is providing necessary support for the development of port and riverine waterway infrastructure. Recently, foundation stones for several important port and inland waterway development projects have been laid, which will be crucial for the development of the state and the country.

The Prime Minister said that ports and their associated ecosystem are strong pillars on which West Bengal can be transformed into a global hub for manufacturing, trade, and logistics. The more emphasis is placed on port-based development, the more employment opportunities will be created. Over the past 11 years, significant investment has been made in the expansion of the Syama Prasad Mukherjee Port, and the road infrastructure has also been developed to improve its connectivity under the Sagarmala scheme.

The Prime Minister said that as a result of these efforts, the Kolkata port has set new records in cargo handling last year. The extension of the existing port gate system at Balagarh will open up new avenues for development in the Hooghly and surrounding areas. This will reduce the pressure of traffic and logistics on Kolkata city and facilitate the movement of cargo.

He said that the developed waterway on the River Ganga will further increase cargo handling, and this entire infrastructure will help make the Hooghly area a major hub for warehousing and training. This will attract new investments worth hundreds of crores of rupees and provide employment opportunities to thousands of youth. Small traders, transport sector personnel, and farmers will also benefit directly as they will get access to new markets for their products.

The Prime Minister noted that today, India is laying special emphasis on multi-modal connectivity and green mobility. Rivers, waterways, roads, railways, and airports are being connected to facilitate seamless transportation. This is significantly reducing logistics costs and transportation time, making India's economy more competitive.