Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled connectivity and infrastructure projects worth Rs. 18,680 crore in West Bengal, saying the initiatives would accelerate development and economic activity in the region.
Major Boost to Road Connectivity
A key highlight of the event was the foundation stone for five sections of the 231-km four-lane Kharagpur–Moregram economic corridor. The expressway will reduce the travel distance by nearly 120 km and cut travel time by seven to eight hours.
The corridor will pass through districts including Paschim Medinipur, Bankura, Hooghly, Purba Bardhaman, Birbhum, and Murshidabad. Officials said the project will connect major national highways such as NH-16, NH-19, NH-14, and NH-12, improving regional mobility and strengthening multi-corridor connectivity.
Prime Minister @narendramodi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth around ₹18,680 crore in Kolkata. The projects include sections of NH-19 in West Bengal and Jharkhand and NH-114 in West Bengal
These projects are expected to improve road… pic.twitter.com/cHzziLPQ3b
— PIB India (@PIB_India) March 14, 2026
The prime minister also laid the foundation stone for the 5.6-km four-lane Dubrajpur Bypass and major bridges over the Kangshabati and Shilabati rivers on NH-14. In addition, sections of NH-19 and NH-114 were inaugurated to improve road safety, reduce congestion, and support tourism and economic growth.
Rail Projects and Station Redevelopment
Modi flagged off the Purulia–Anand Vihar Terminal Express, expanding rail connectivity between West Bengal and the national capital.
Six railway stations redeveloped under the Amrit Station Scheme were also unveiled. These include Kamakhyaguri, Anara, Tamluk, Haldia, Barabhum, and Siuri.
The prime minister further dedicated two railway projects to the nation: a 16-km third rail line between Belda and Dantan and an automatic block signalling system between Kalaikunda and Kanimohuli in the South Eastern Railway zone.
Port and River Tourism Projects
Several port infrastructure projects were also announced. Modi inaugurated the mechanisation of Berth 2 at Haldia Dock Complex and the rejuvenation of Dock 1 (West) at Khidderpore Docks.
He also laid foundation stones for the mechanisation of Berth 5 at Haldia Dock Complex, the renovation of the Bascule Bridge in Kolkata, and a new river cruise terminal with tourism facilities near the Indenture Memorial.
