Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (March 13, 2026) inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth around ₹18,680 crore in Kolkata, West Bengal. The development projects, which include several National Highway projects, are set to significantly improve the road connectivity in the region.
#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "These projects will give a new momentum to West Bengal and Eastern India. They will boost trade and industry, making life easier for millions of people and opening up new opportunities for them. The completion of… https://t.co/Scsffnqgi3 pic.twitter.com/7jhAehA8Km
— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2026
The National Highway projects, with a combined length of over 420 km and a cost of ₹16,990 crore, include sections of NH-19 in West Bengal and Jharkhand and NH-114 in West Bengal. In addition to improving connectivity in the region, the road projects serve the multifold purpose of enhancing road safety, cutting travel time, easing congestion, and promoting tourism.
Among the National Highway projects, for which PM Modi laid the foundation stone, are five packages of the 231 km long four-lane Kharagpur–Moregram economic corridor section of NH-116A. This National Highway project is part of the economic corridor between Kharagpur and Siliguri. It will pass through the districts of Paschim Medinipur, Bankura, Hooghly, Purba Bardhaman, Birbhum and Murshidabad districts of West Bengal. On completion, the project will significantly ease the journey by cutting the distance by about 120 km and time by 7-8 hours. Some key National Highways, such as NH-16, NH-19, NH-14 and NH-12, will also be integrated into the economic corridor, thereby boosting multi-corridor connectivity.
Additionally, PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for the Dubrajpur Bypass on NH-14. The 5.6 km long, four-lane bypass is expected to reduce congestion in parts of Dubrajpur town having dense construction, and also reduce the travel time by one hour. The foundation stone of the additional four-lane major bridges over the Kangshabati and Shilabati rivers on NH-14 was also laid by PM Modi.
Flagged off unveiled the Purulia-Anand Vihar Terminal Express, a six-hour railway
The Prime Minister flagged off the Purulia-Anand Vihar Terminal Express and unveiled six railway stations of Kamakhyaguri, Anara, Tamluk, Haldia, Barabhum and Siuri, that were redeveloped under the Amrit Station scheme.
#Watch | Six stations, including Kamakhyaguri, Anara, Tamluk, Haldia, Barabhum and Siuri, have been inaugurated as “Amrit Stations,” while more are being redeveloped. A new express train between Purulia and Anand Vihar Terminal will benefit West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, UP, and… pic.twitter.com/usYjTk0lIM
— DD News (@DDNewslive) March 14, 2026
He dedicated two railway projects, viz. 16-km-long third rail line between Belda and Dantan and the automatic block signalling system between Kalaikunda and Kanimohuli in the South Eastern Railway zone, to the people of the country. Highlighting the progress achieved in upgrading the railway infrastructure of the country, PM said that the mission to modernise the Indian railways has been undertaken.
Furthermore, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for several port infrastructure projects in West Bengal, including the mechanisation of Berth No. 5 at Haldia Dock Complex of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, renovation of the Bascule Bridge at Kolkata Dock System; yard development including drainage systems at Kidderpore Dock-I (East) and Dock-II (East); bank protection works along the Kolkata riverfront from the Howrah Bridge pylon to Nimtala Ghat; and construction of a terminal building for a river cruise terminal and river tourism facility near the Indenture Memorial complex at Kolkata Dock System.
PM Modi also addressed a massive rally in Kolkata, which marked the completion of the BJP’s Parivartan Yatra Campaign in the state, ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
