Singur, West Bengal January 18, 2025– In a major push for regional infrastructure, Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several development projects exceeding ₹830 crore in Singur, Hooghly district. Highlighting that the progress of Eastern India is a cornerstone for a developed nation, the Prime Minister introduced a series of initiatives focused on rail connectivity, maritime logistics, and green mobility. Key highlights included the flagging off of three new Amrit Bharat Express trains connecting West Bengal to Varanasi, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu, following the recent historic launch of the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train from the state. These rail advancements are designed to slash travel times and provide affordable, high-speed transit for students, pilgrims, and daily commuters.
The Prime Minister also prioritized the transformation of West Bengal into a global logistics hub through the Extended Port Gate System at Balagarh. Spanning 900 acres, this modern cargo terminal is expected to handle 2.7 million tonnes of cargo annually, significantly reducing traffic congestion in Kolkata by diverting heavy freight. Furthering the commitment to sustainable transport, a state-of-the-art indigenous Electric Catamaran was launched to boost eco-tourism and zero-emission travel on the Hooghly River. These multi-modal projects aim to empower local MSMEs, provide farmers with better market access, and generate thousands of jobs, reinforcing West Bengal’s potential as a leader in trade and seafood exports.