Kolkata: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari is expected to visit West Bengal to announce a proposed infrastructure package worth around ₹20,000 crore, according to West Bengal Public Works Department (PWD) and Public Health Engineering (PHE) Minister Ajay Kumar Poddar.
Poddar made the statement after returning to Kolkata following a two-day visit to New Delhi, where he held discussions with Gadkari on road and infrastructure projects in West Bengal.
Road and Highway Projects Discussed
The discussions focused on infrastructure projects involving:
- National highways
- State highways
- Bridges
- Road infrastructure across West Bengal
The state delegation also presented several proposals to the Union Minister concerning infrastructure development and connectivity in the state.
Poddar was accompanied by senior officials of the state PWD department during the New Delhi visit.
Gadkari Expected to Visit West Bengal
According to Poddar, Gadkari has agreed to visit West Bengal at his request. The Union Minister is expected to participate in foundation stone-laying ceremonies for several major road and infrastructure projects.
During the visit, Gadkari is expected to announce projects as well as allocations for further infrastructure development in the state.
The proposed package has been described as being worth around ₹20,000 crore.
Focus on Roads, Bridges and Connectivity
Poddar said the discussions with the Union Minister covered the development of roads, bridges and other infrastructure in West Bengal.
He also expressed confidence that coordination between the Centre and the state government would help advance infrastructure-related work in the state.
The West Bengal Public Works Department is responsible for road and bridge projects among its areas of work, with the state government also operating the West Bengal Highway Development Corporation Ltd. for highway and road development.
The proposed initiatives discussed during the meeting are focused on infrastructure development and connectivity across West Bengal.
State Delegation Holds Discussions in New Delhi
Poddar returned to Kolkata on Tuesday evening after the two-day New Delhi visit. During the visit, the state delegation held discussions with Gadkari on road infrastructure projects and submitted proposals related to infrastructure development.
Poddar said Gadkari’s response to the state’s development proposals had encouraged him and that the Union Minister’s planned visit would provide an opportunity for the foundation stone-laying of major projects.
The specific projects, allocations and timelines under the proposed ₹20,000-crore package were not detailed in the information provided.
Coordination Between Centre and State
Poddar said coordinated efforts between the Union and West Bengal governments would support work relating to roads, bridges and other infrastructure in the state.
The proposed infrastructure initiatives are expected to form part of the discussions during Gadkari’s proposed visit to West Bengal.
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