Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed a public gathering in Singur, Hooghly district, during the launch and inauguration of multiple development projects in West Bengal, underlining the Centre’s focus on accelerating growth in eastern India as a key pillar of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).
Addressing the event, the Prime Minister said the past 24 hours had been historic for rail connectivity in West Bengal, with the launch of several new train services. He highlighted the introduction of the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train from the state, along with nearly half a dozen Amrit Bharat Express trains. Three additional Amrit Bharat Express services were flagged off on Saturday, strengthening rail links between West Bengal and key regions including Varanasi, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu.
“Perhaps in the last 100 years, so much work for railway connectivity in Bengal has not been done within a span of 24 hours,” the Prime Minister said.
Focus on Ports, Waterways, and Logistics
PM Modi emphasised West Bengal’s vast potential in inland waterways and port-led development, noting that new projects related to ports and river transport were also inaugurated during the event. These initiatives, he said, would play a crucial role in transforming the state into a major hub for manufacturing, trade, and logistics.
He pointed to significant investments made over the past 11 years to expand the capacity of the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (Kolkata Port) and improve its road connectivity under the Sagarmala Programme. As a result, the port has achieved record cargo handling volumes in the last year, he added.
Economic Opportunities for Hooghly Region
The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the extended port gate system at Balagarh, stating that it would reduce congestion in Kolkata city while creating new economic opportunities for Hooghly and surrounding areas. Enhanced cargo movement through the Ganga inland waterway is expected to attract fresh investments worth hundreds of crores, generate employment for thousands of youth, and benefit traders, transporters, farmers, and local producers.
Push for Green and Multimodal Connectivity
Reiterating the government’s commitment to multimodal connectivity, PM Modi said ports, waterways, highways, and airports are being seamlessly integrated to reduce logistics costs and transportation time. He also stressed the importance of green mobility, announcing that hybrid electric boats would boost eco-friendly river transport, reduce pollution in the Hooghly river, and promote river-based tourism.
Boost to Fisheries and Exports
The Prime Minister said India is rapidly emerging as a global leader in fisheries and seafood production and exports, expressing confidence that West Bengal can play a leading role in this sector. He noted that the Centre’s focused support for riverine infrastructure is already benefiting farmers and fishing communities across the state.
The event was attended by West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal, Sukanta Majumdar, and Shantanu Thakur, BJP leaders including Suvendu Adhikari, Members of Parliament, legislators, and other public representatives.
