Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed infrastructure ventures exceeding ₹4,500 crore in northern West Bengal on Saturday. These projects were unveiled during an event in Siliguri, the largest city in the region, marking the PM’s third trip to the state this month. Governor CV Ananda Bose was in attendance at the ceremony.
In his address, PM Modi emphasized the historical neglect of eastern India post-independence and highlighted his government’s commitment to viewing it as a key driver of national growth. He underscored the importance of modern infrastructure for the region’s advancement, particularly in its northern territories.
Among the inaugurated projects were multiple railway line electrification endeavors aimed at benefiting the populace of northern West Bengal and neighboring areas. These included sections like Eklakhi-Balurghat, Barsoi-Radhikapur, Raninagar Jalpaiguri-Haldibari, Siliguri-Aluabari via Bagdogra, and Siliguri-Sivok-Alipurduar Junction-Samuktala.
PM Modi noted that the electrification of these railway lines would not only boost connectivity but also alleviate pollution in the surrounding regions. He highlighted the spillover benefits reaching neighboring Bihar.
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These initiatives, PM Modi emphasized, were strides toward the development of ‘Viksit Bengal’. He expressed satisfaction in streamlining development efforts in the region, especially in enhancing connectivity with the Northeast.
Additionally, the PM inaugurated the doubling of the railway line in the Manigram-Nimtita section and automatic block signaling in the Ambari-Falakata-Aluabari section. He also inaugurated a new passenger train service connecting Siliguri and Radhikapur.
These projects, it was stated, would bolster rail connectivity, facilitate freight movement, and catalyze employment and economic growth in the area.
PM Modi highlighted the commencement of train services from West Bengal to Bangladesh, signaling closer cooperation between the two nations.
He further asserted that under BJP rule at the Centre, allocations for railway projects in West Bengal, particularly in the northern region, had seen significant increases.
Moreover, PM Modi inaugurated two national highway projects worth ₹3,100 crore, including the Ghoshpukur-Dhupguri section and the Islampur Bypass on NH 27, which form part of the crucial north-south transport corridor.
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During his earlier visits this month, the PM had toured districts in southern West Bengal, known as the stronghold of the TMC. Notably, the BJP had triumphed in northern West Bengal during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the focus of PM Modi’s recent visit.
Previously, on March 1, PM Modi inaugurated projects worth ₹7,200 crore in Arambagh, Hooghly district, followed by projects worth ₹15,000 crore in Krishnanagar, Nadia, on March 2. On March 6, he inaugurated multiple metro railway projects in Kolkata.
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