Kolkata: The West Bengal government has approved a massive ₹8,487-crore road development programme aimed at constructing over 20,000 kilometres of new roads across the state, covering both rural and urban areas. The cabinet has already cleared the proposal, marking one of the largest infrastructure initiatives undertaken by the state in recent years.
The programme is designed to address long-standing connectivity gaps and improve access to local markets, healthcare facilities, schools, and administrative centres, particularly in remote regions.
15,011 km of Rural Roads Under Pathashree Scheme
A major portion of the project focuses on rural connectivity, with nearly 15,011 km of roads to be constructed under the Pathashree scheme. Officials said the initiative will significantly benefit villages where roads remain kutcha or partially developed, making year-round travel difficult.
Earlier phases of Pathashree had received positive feedback for improving daily commuting for villagers, students, farmers, and small traders. The new expansion aims to build on these gains by covering a much wider rural network.
Urban Road Development Across KMDA Areas
In addition to rural roads, the government has approved the construction of around 5,019 km of urban roads within areas governed by the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA). A separate allocation of ₹1,500 crore has been earmarked for these urban stretches.
The urban component will focus on improving feeder roads, city-level transport links, and access routes connecting residential areas to major corridors, as part of the state’s broader urban mobility planning.
Entire Project Funded by State Budget
Officials confirmed that the entire ₹8,487 crore investment will be funded by the state exchequer, without any external or central assistance. The government has opted for a self-funded model to maintain control over execution timelines and priorities.
This decision underscores the state’s commitment to accelerating infrastructure development through its own financial resources.
Tendering to Begin Soon; Work Expected from January
To ensure faster implementation, the government has set up a dedicated tendering portal to streamline the contractor selection process. Officials said the system is expected to enhance transparency, efficiency, and coordination among departments.
The tendering process will begin shortly, and construction work is expected to start in January, once approvals are completed. Departments have been instructed to complete administrative formalities in advance to avoid delays and weather-related disruptions.
One of the Largest Infrastructure Drives Ahead of Elections
The scale of the road development programme positions it as one of West Bengal’s largest infrastructure drives in recent years, coming ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. Past road upgrade projects have shown that improved connectivity plays a crucial role in boosting trade, transport of essential goods, and everyday mobility.
By covering both rural and urban regions, the new initiative aims to deliver long-term economic and social benefits across the state.
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