PM Modi Unveils Rs 18,680 Crore Development Projects in West Bengal

These included a 16-kilometre third rail line between Belda and Dantan and the installation of an automatic block signalling system between Kalaikunda and Kanimohuli in the South Eastern Railway zone. File Photo.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched and laid the foundation for infrastructure projects worth about Rs 18,680 crore in West Bengal, covering ports, railways and highways aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and economic activity.

Among the key initiatives were several port development works linked to the Haldia dock complex. The Prime Minister inaugurated the mechanisation of berth 2 at the port to enable faster and more efficient cargo handling. He also launched the redevelopment of the Khidderpur Dock 1 (West) facility and laid the foundation stone for the mechanisation of berth 5. A project to renovate the bascule bridge in Kolkata and a river tourism facility in the city were also initiated.

In the rail sector, Modi flagged off the Purulia–Anand Vihar Terminal Express and dedicated multiple railway upgrades to the nation. These included a 16-kilometre third rail line between Belda and Dantan and the installation of an automatic block signalling system between Kalaikunda and Kanimohuli in the South Eastern Railway zone.

Six railway stations, Kamakhyaguri, Anara, Tamluk, Haldia, Barabhum and Suri, were also inaugurated after redevelopment under the Amrit Station Scheme.

Road infrastructure projects formed another major component of the package, including the foundation stone for the 231-kilometre Kharagpur–Morgram economic corridor, which is expected to significantly reduce travel time and improve freight movement across several districts in the state.