Singur (Hooghly), West Bengal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated, laid the foundation stone, and flagged off a series of major infrastructure projects worth over ₹830 crore in West Bengal, marking a significant push to strengthen rail, port, and inland waterway connectivity in the eastern region. The projects aim to enhance logistics efficiency, promote green transport, boost passenger mobility, and accelerate economic development across the state.
Eastern India’s Development Key to a Developed India: PM Modi
Addressing the gathering virtually from Singur in Hooghly district, Prime Minister Modi said that the development of Eastern India is crucial for building a developed India. Recalling his visit to Malda a day earlier, he noted that the programmes over the past two days reaffirm the Union Government’s commitment to West Bengal’s growth.
The Prime Minister stated that he had the opportunity to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for projects worth hundreds of crores dedicated to West Bengal’s development, reflecting the Centre’s focused approach toward infrastructure-led growth.
Rail Connectivity Gets a Historic Boost in Bengal
Highlighting major rail achievements, PM Modi said that the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train was launched from West Bengal just a day earlier. He added that the state has already received nearly half a dozen Amrit Bharat Express trains, with three more Amrit Bharat Express services launched today.
One of the newly launched trains will further strengthen connectivity between Varanasi, the Prime Minister’s parliamentary constituency, and West Bengal. Additional Amrit Bharat Express services have also been launched connecting Delhi and Tamil Nadu, making the last 24 hours unprecedented for Bengal’s rail connectivity.
Railway Projects Worth ₹280 Crore Inaugurated
As part of the rail infrastructure push, the Prime Minister inaugurated railway projects worth ₹280 crore and flagged off new passenger services.
Key initiatives included –
- Commissioning of the 15-km Jayrambati–Barogopinathpur–Maynapur rail section, part of the 83-km Tarakeswar–Bishnupur rail project, expected to drive socio-economic development in Bankura district
- Flagging off a new passenger train between Jayrambati and Maynapur, benefiting daily commuters and students
Launch of three Amrit Bharat Express trains connecting –
- Santragachi – Tambaram
- Howrah – Anand Vihar Terminal
- Sealdah – Banaras
These services are set to strengthen economic, cultural, and religious corridors across the country.
Major Push for Ports and Inland Waterways Infrastructure
Recognising Bengal’s immense potential for waterways, Prime Minister Modi said the Union Government is providing support to build port-led development infrastructure. He emphasised that ports and inland waterways would serve as key pillars to transform West Bengal into a major hub of manufacturing, trade, and logistics.
Projects worth ₹552 crore were launched under the ports and inland waterways sector, aimed at strengthening river-based logistics, decongesting traditional cargo routes, and expanding multimodal connectivity.
Balagarh Extended Port Gate System Inaugurated
A major highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Extended Port Gate System at Balagarh, developed by the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority (SMPA).
Located about 45 nautical miles upstream from Kolkata, the facility is designed to reduce congestion at the Kolkata Dock System while enabling efficient cargo movement through inland waterways.
Key features of the Balagarh facility include –
- A modern barge terminal with two berths
- Capacity to handle containerised and coal cargo
- Projected cargo handling capacity of 2.7 million tonnes per annum
- Seamless integration with National Waterway-1 (Ganga–Bhagirathi–Hooghly)
- Road and rail connectivity for robust multimodal logistics
Supporting infrastructure such as a new road overbridge and advanced dredging facilities will ensure uninterrupted year-round navigation and improved cargo turnaround time.
PM Launches Hybrid Electric Catamaran for Green Transport
Promoting clean and sustainable transport, Prime Minister Modi also launched a 50-passenger hybrid electric aluminium catamaran for inland waterways in Kolkata.
Developed at a cost of ₹12 crore, the vessel uses advanced lithium-titanate battery technology, offering an energy-efficient and environment-friendly solution for passenger movement. This launch marks a major milestone in India’s transition toward green inland water transport.
Inland Waterways Revived Under PM Modi’s Vision: Sarbananda Sonowal
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, said that the dedication of infrastructure projects worth ₹830 crore represents a major step in scaling up waterways and rail-based transportation in West Bengal.
He stated that for decades, India’s inland waterways remained underutilised despite their vast potential. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the sector has been transformed into a modern, efficient, and economical mode of transport, reducing congestion on roads and railways, lowering logistics costs, and driving sustainable growth.
Bengal Re-emerging as Eastern India’s Growth Engine
Sonowal further said that West Bengal has always been the gateway to India’s maritime trade and is once again emerging as a growth engine for eastern India. Strengthened ports, inland waterways, and rail connectivity are making the state a vital link between mainland India and the North-Eastern region, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of making eastern India the centre of India’s next development journey.
Focus on Multimodal Logistics and Economic Growth
The initiatives are aligned with the government’s broader vision of leveraging inland waterways as a cost-effective, environment-friendly, and reliable transport mode, while reducing pressure on road and rail networks.
Together, the projects are expected to –
- Reduce logistics costs
- Ease congestion
- Improve passenger mobility
- Generate employment
- Strengthen West Bengal’s role as a key trade and connectivity gateway
Dignitaries Present at the Event
The inauguration was conducted virtually from Singur in Hooghly district.
Present on the occasion were:
- Governor of West Bengal, C V Ananda Bose
- Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal, Shantanu Thakur, Sukanta Majumdar
- Senior officials and other dignitaries
Transform Logistics, Mobility, and Economic Prospects
These projects reflect the Modi Government’s integrated and future-oriented approach to infrastructure development, combining sustainable inland water transport with modern rail connectivity. The initiatives are set to transform logistics, mobility, and economic prospects in West Bengal and the wider eastern region.
