KOLKATA — Signaling a massive push for regional development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, March 14, 2026, inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for a suite of connectivity projects worth ₹18,680 crore in West Bengal. Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister declared that these initiatives mark a “new chapter” in the state’s growth, aimed at transforming it into a cornerstone of India’s economic progress.
The timing of the visit is significant, as West Bengal is expected to head to the Assembly elections in April.
Roadways: The Kharagpur-Moregram Economic Corridor
The centerpiece of the infrastructure package is the Kharagpur-Moregram Economic Corridor. PM Modi laid the foundation stone for five sections of this 231-km-long, four-lane expressway.
- Impact: Once completed, it will slash the travel distance between Kharagpur and Moregram by 120 km, saving commuters and freight transporters roughly 7 to 8 hours.
- Route: The corridor spans Paschim Medinipur, Bankura, Hooghly, Purba Bardhaman, Birbhum, and Murshidabad.
- Integration: It will link four major National Highways (NH-16, NH-19, NH-14, and NH-12), creating a seamless multi-corridor network across the state.
Additionally, the PM initiated the construction of the 5.6-km Dubrajpur Bypass and new four-lane bridges over the Kangshabati and Shilabati rivers to ease local congestion.
Railways: New Trains and “Amrit” Stations
The Prime Minister emphasized a nationwide mission to modernize the rail network, ensuring West Bengal remains at the forefront of this transition.
- New Connectivity: Flagged off the Purulia-Anand Vihar Terminal Express, providing a direct link between Purulia and the National Capital Region.
- Station Upgrades: Six stations redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme were unveiled: Kamakhyaguri, Anara, Tamluk, Haldia, Barabhum, and Siuri.
- Operational Efficiency: Dedicated the 16-km third rail line between Belda and Dantan and a new automatic block signaling system between Kalaikunda and Kanimohuli to improve safety and frequency.
Maritime & Ports: Boosting Trade at Haldia and Kolkata
The maritime sector received a substantial boost with projects focused on automation and tourism.
- Haldia Dock Complex: Inaugurated the mechanization of Berth 2 for eco-friendly cargo handling and laid the stone for Berth 5.
- Kolkata Docks: Launched the rejuvenation of Khidderpore Docks and the renovation of the historic Bascule Bridge.
- River Tourism: Announced a new river cruise terminal and tourism facility near the Indenture Memorial in Kolkata to promote the city’s heritage along the Ganges.
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