Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated, laid foundation stones, and flagged off multiple development projects worth over ₹83...
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated, laid foundation stones, and flagged off multiple development projects worth over ₹830 crore in West Bengal, including three Amrit Bharat trains connecting Kolkata with different parts of the country.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that all central projects would accelerate the development of West Bengal. He emphasised that the development of Eastern India is crucial for building a developed India, adding that the Union government is continuously working towards this goal. He said his two-day visit to Assam and West Bengal further strengthened this commitment.
Prime Minister Modi stated that the last 24 hours had been unprecedented for West Bengal’s rail connectivity. Highlighting the state’s potential for inland waterways, he said the Centre is working to develop water transport infrastructure, which could turn West Bengal into a major hub for manufacturing, trade, and logistics.
As part of the programme, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the Extended Port Gate System at Balagarh, which includes an Inland Water Transport (IWT) terminal and a Road Over Bridge. He also launched a state-of-the-art Electric Catamaran in Kolkata, aimed at supporting urban river mobility, eco-tourism, and last-mile passenger connectivity along the Hooghly River.
Additionally, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Jayrambati–Barogopinathpur–Maynapur new rail line and flagged off a new train service between Maynapur and Jayrambati.
West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar, Shantanu Thakur, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, and other dignitaries were present at the event.
Later, addressing a Parivartan Sankalp Sabha in Singur, Prime Minister Modi launched a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress. He said the Centre is working consistently for the welfare of youth, farmers, and women in the state, but alleged that the West Bengal government has been blocking the implementation of several central welfare schemes.
He claimed that schemes such as PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, Har Ghar Jal, and PM SHRI schools have not been implemented in the state, preventing benefits from reaching the people. He also alleged that a digital platform for fishermen launched by the Centre has not been operationalised in West Bengal.
Calling for political change, the Prime Minister urged people to support the Bharatiya Janata Party, stating that every vote for the BJP would strengthen efforts to remove illegal intruders from the country. He stressed that development initiatives should rise above political rivalries and focus on citizens’ needs.
Highlighting cultural initiatives, Prime Minister Modi said the Centre has taken steps to honour Bengal’s cultural heritage. He referred to the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, calling it a guiding mantra for building a “Viksit Bharat.”
He also mentioned that Bengali has been accorded classical language status, Durga Puja has received UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage recognition, and Shantiniketan has been granted World Heritage status.
Referring to economic potential, the Prime Minister said Bengal’s traditional products such as Dhaniakhali sarees, jute, and handicrafts are being promoted under the One District One Product scheme.
