Introduction
On March 2, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the inauguration and foundation-stone laying ceremonies for a compendium of development endeavors in West Bengal aggregating over Rs 7,200 crores. The diverse projects encompass an array of crucial sectors like railways, ports, petroleum pipelines, LPG supply, and wastewater treatment that will catalyze the state's socioeconomic advancement.
Additionally,he unveiled Indian Oil's LPG Bottling plant, boasting a capacity of 120 TMTPA, located at Vidyasagar Industrial Park, Kharagpur. (PTI)
Addressing the gathered dignitaries and citizens in Arambagh, Hooghly district, the Prime Minister accentuated the importance of the newly launched initiatives in accelerating West Bengal's evolution across multifarious fronts. He situated these efforts within the broader ambition of constructing a developed, Viksit Bharat by the 100th year of independence in 2047.
PM Underscores Central Government's Commitment to Modernizing Bengal's Railways
The Prime Minister spotlighted the Central Government's dedication to modernizing West Bengal's railway infrastructure comparably to the rest of the nation. He specified critical rail expansion endeavors like the inauguration of the third rail line connecting Jhargram and Salgajhari, spanning 90 kilometers. This project will enhance connectivity and foment tourism and industrial growth in the region.
Additionally, PM Modi noted the doubling of the Sondalia - Champapukur rail route over 24 kilometers and the Dankuni - Bhattanagar - Baltikuri line across 9 kilometers. He enunciated how augmented rail transport facilities and seamless freight traffic services would kindle economic and industrial development statewide.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister informed that over Rs 13,000 crores have been allocated in this year's railway budget for West Bengal's development, thrice the pre-2014 level. He also mentioned the rapid electrification of statewide rail lines, upgrading of passenger amenities, and redevelopment of stations.
PM Inaugurates Myriad Projects at Kolkata Port
The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid foundations for diverse infrastructure augmentation endeavors at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata aggregating around Rs 1000 crores.
These include berth reconstruction, mechanization, and firefighting system enhancements with advanced automation and sensors. Additionally, he dedicated a new Rail Mounted Quay Crane with 40-ton lifting capacity to bolster productivity and cargo handling.
According to PM Modi, these efforts will significantly enhance the port's capacity, efficiency, and safety for accelerating trade flows. They resonate with the ethos of optimally harnessing coastal resources for economic advancement.
Crucial Rail and Metro Extensions Unveiled
PM Modi dedicated multiple vital rail extension projects to the nation totaling approximately Rs 2680 crores.
These comprise the newly built third rail line between Jhargram and Salgajhari; doubling the Sondalia - Champapukur route; and doubling the Dankuni - Bhattanagar - Baltikuri track. He emphasized how expanded rail connectivity would smooth freight transportation and passenger travel, unlocking socioeconomic opportunities.
The recently operationalized Kolkata Metro extension also found mention as a milestone in enhancing urban mobility. Its newly built line between Noapara and Dakshineswar, constructed at a cost of Rs 464 crores, will significantly bolster connectivity.
PM Lauds Balanced Development That Conserves Environment
Inaugurating the Rs 2790 crore Haldia-Barauni crude oil pipeline, the Prime Minister praised how India balances swift development with ecological prudence.
Spanning over 500 kms across West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha, this pipeline transports crude to three refineries, generating notable cost and carbon savings from reduced tanker traffic. PM Modi hailed the project as an exemplar of environmentally conscious infrastructural engineering that optimizes energy transportation.
The Prime Minister also lauded the LPG bottling plant at Kharagpur, positioned to cater to over 1.5 crore customers across seven states. He highlighted how the project fulfills rising clean fuel demand in an efficient, sustainable manner while generating employment.
Wastewater Treatment Projects to Enhance Civic Amenities
PM Modi inaugurated three wastewater treatment and sewerage projects in West Bengal funded by the World Bank, totaling around Rs 600 crores.
These strategically located plants, with a cumulative capacity of over 180 MLD, will treat sewage from various urban peripheries through underground diversion networks spanning over 20 kilometers.
The Prime Minister highlighted how scientific wastewater treatment would significantly improve sanitation, public health, and environmental conditions for lakhs of citizens across multiple districts.
India Making Expeditious Advances Towards Viksit Bharat by 2047: PM
In his address, the Prime Minister underlined how India is rapidly developing in the 21st century, with urbanization, industrialization, digitization, and rising aspirations propelling socioeconomic advancement.
He situated the plethora of new projects within this larger ambition of achieving a prosperous, developed nation by 2047. PM Modi reiterated that empowering fellow citizens, especially youth, women, farmers, and the underprivileged, remains the fundamental priority.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the remarkable feat of lifting nearly 25 crore people out of poverty demonstrates the efficacy of people-centric policies and reformist leadership. He promised that this transformational journey would continue unabated to build an equitable, inclusive Viksit Bharat where all citizens can fully realize their potential.
PM Lauds West Bengal's Contribution to India's Growth Story
The Prime Minister praised West Bengal as a land of exceptional thinkers, revolutionaries, artists, and innovators who have profoundly shaped India's national journey.
He affirmed that the Central Government is wholly committed to catalyzing Bengal's development by mobilizing investments, building futuristic infrastructure, and unlocking human capital.
PM Modi expressed confidence that West Bengal would continue steering India's growth story through its immense cultural, intellectual, and developmental contributions.
He concluded by appealing to the people of West Bengal to join fellow citizens across India in realizing the collective vision of an aspirational, developed nation in the Amrit Kaal lasting until 2047.
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