Prime Minister Narendra Modi Unveils Mega Development Projects Worth Rs 7,200 Crore in West Bengal

Hooghly: To boost to infrastructure and development in West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated multiple projects worth Rs 7,200 crore to the nation and laid the foundation stones for key initiatives today in Arambagh, Hooghly.

The ambitious projects span crucial sectors, including rail, ports, oil pipeline, LPG supply, and wastewater treatment. Addressing the gathered audience, the Prime Minister highlighted the transformative vision of a developed India by 2047 and stressed the government’s commitment to empowering the youth, women, farmers, and the economically disadvantaged.

Reflecting on India’s progress, PM Modi proudly pointed out that 25 crore people have emerged from poverty, attributing this success to the government’s well-directed policies and decisions. He emphasized that the positive outcomes are a result of the government’s unwavering focus on the welfare of the poor.

The major infrastructure initiatives unveiled today include the third rail line connecting Jhargram – Salgajhari, the doubling of Sondalia – Champapukur and Dankuni – Bhattanagar – Baltikuri rail lines, and strengthening projects at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata, totaling over Rs 7,000 crores.

Highlighting environmental consciousness, the Prime Minister cited the Haldia Barauni crude pipeline as a testament to India’s ability to pursue development harmoniously with the environment. The pipeline, transporting crude oil through Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal, stands as a model for environmental protection and cost savings.

Inaugurating Indian Oil’s 518-km Haldia-Barauni Crude Oil Pipeline, developed at a cost of about Rs 2,790 crore, PM Modi emphasized its contribution to the safe and environmentally friendly supply of crude oil to refineries.

Another milestone was the inauguration of Indian Oil’s LPG Bottling plant at Vidyasagar Industrial Park, Kharagpur. With a capacity of 120 TMTPA and a cost exceeding Rs 200 crore, this plant will be the first of its kind in the region, supplying LPG to approximately 14.5 lakh customers in West Bengal.

The Prime Minister also dedicated projects worth about Rs 1,000 crore for infrastructure enhancement at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata. These projects include the reconstruction of Berth No. 8 NSD, mechanization of berth no. 7 & 8 NSD of Kolkata Dock System, and augmentation of the firefighting system at oil jetties of Haldia Dock Complex.

In the rail sector, projects worth about Rs 2,680 crores were inaugurated, aiming to expand rail transport facilities and enhance mobility in the region. These projects include the third rail line connecting Jhargram – Salgajhari, doubling of Sondalia – Champapukur rail line, and doubling of Dankuni – Bhattanagar – Baltikuri rail line.

Additionally, the Prime Minister inaugurated three wastewater treatment and sewerage projects in West Bengal, funded by the World Bank and developed at a cost of about Rs 600 crore. These projects include Interception and Diversion works and Sewage Treatment Plants at Howrah, Bally, Kamarhati & Baranagar.

PM Modi expressed confidence in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat with the active participation and contributions of the people of West Bengal, conveying his best wishes for the success of the unveiled development projects.

Among the dignitaries present at the event were Governor of West Bengal, Dr C V Ananda Bose, and Union Minister of State for Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Shantanu Thakur. The projects mark a significant step towards realizing the government’s commitment to comprehensive and sustainable development in the region.