PM Modi launches Rs 3,250-crore rail, road projects in Malda
New Delhi, Jan 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple rail and road infrastructure projects worth Rs 3,250 crore at Malda in West Bengal, aimed at improving connectivity and speeding up development in the state and the North-Eastern region. Addressing a public gathering, the Prime Minister said, “From Malda today, the campaign to accelerate the progress of West Bengal has gained further momentum.”
He said several development projects linked to West Bengal had been inaugurated and dedicated, adding that new rail services would make travel easier and boost trade and commerce.
He also noted that new train maintenance facilities would “provide fresh opportunities for the youth of Bengal”. During the visit, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for four major railway projects in West Bengal, including a new Balurghat–Hili rail line, next-generation freight maintenance facilities at New Jalpaiguri, upgradation of the Siliguri Loco Shed and modernisation of Vande Bharat maintenance facilities in Jalpaiguri district. He also dedicated the electrification of the New Coochbehar–Bamanhat and New Coochbehar–Boxirhat rail sections. The Prime Minister virtually flagged off four new Amrit Bharat Express services and two new LHB-coach trains linking Radhikapur and Balurghat with Bengaluru, improving long-distance connectivity for students, workers, and professionals. He also laid the foundation stone for the four-laning of the Dhupguri–Falakata section of the National Highway to strengthen road connectivity in North Bengal. West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and other senior leaders were present at the event. PM Modi is on a two-day visit to Bengal and Assam.
