PM Modi Inaugurates & Lays Foundation for Development Projects Worth ₹5,200 Cr in Kolkata

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects worth over ₹5,200 crore in Kolkata, West Bengal. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister emphasized that as India moves towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, cities like Kolkata and Dum Dum will play a pivotal role in this growth journey.

In line with his commitment to world class infrastructure and developed urban connectivity, Prime Minister inaugurated metro railway projects in Kolkata. A 13.61 km long newly constructed metro network will be inaugurated and metro services will be launched on these routes. He visited the Jessore Road Metro Station, where he will flag off the Noapara–Jai Hind Bimanbandar metro service from Jessore Road. In addition, through video conferencing, he will also flag off the Sealdah–Esplanade metro service and the Beleghata–Hemanta Mukhopadhyay metro service. He also undertook a metro ride from Jessore Road Metro Station to Jai Hind Bimanbandar and back.

At the public function, Prime Minister inaugurated these metro sections and a newly constructed subway at Howrah Metro Station. The Noapara–Jai Hind Bimanbandar metro service will significantly improve the access to the airport. The Sealdah–Esplanade metro will reduce the travel time between the two points from nearly 40 minutes to only 11 minutes. The Beleghata–Hemanta Mukhopadhyay metro section will play a crucial role in enhancing connectivity with the IT hub. These metro routes will connect some of Kolkata’s busiest areas, bring a notable reduction in travel time, and strengthen multimodal connectivity, benefiting lakhs of daily commuters.

In a major boost to road infrastructure in the region, Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of 7.2 km long six-lane elevated Kona Expressway worth over Rs 1,200 crore. It will enhance connectivity between Howrah, surrounding rural areas, and Kolkata, saving hours of travel time and giving significant boost to trade, commerce, and tourism in the region.

Highlighting the importance of modern infrastructure, Shri Modi stated, “21st-century India requires a 21st-century transport system. Therefore, today across the country, modern transport facilities, from railways to roads, metros to airports, are not only being developed but also integrated to ensure seamless connectivity.”