The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone and inaugurated a package of infrastructure projects in Kolkata, West Bengal, totalling Rs 187,000 million (mn).

The projects cover roads, railways and port facilities and are intended to accelerate economic activity across Eastern India. The announcement was made during a public event in which the Prime Minister outlined the scope and expected benefits of the works.

He identified the Kharagpur–Moregram Expressway as a key project that will expedite movement of goods and people across many districts. The Dubrajpur Bypass and major bridges over the Kangsabati and Shilabati rivers were noted as measures to improve local connectivity. The Automatic Block Signalling System on the Kalaikunda–Kanimahuli section was dedicated to the nation to enhance capacity and safety on busy routes.

He inaugurated six stations as Amrit Bharat Stations and said that station redevelopment is extending the cultural identity of Bengal to modern transport hubs. A new express service between Purulia and Anand Vihar Terminal was flagged off and is expected to benefit passengers from West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. The upgrades aim to increase speed, convenience and comfort for travellers.

He highlighted ports and inland waterways as complementary to roads and rail in boosting trade and industrial growth in Eastern India. The mechanisation of the Haldia Dock Complex, renovation of the Bascule Bridge in the Kolkata Dock System and augmentation of cargo handling at Kidderpore Dock were presented as interventions to speed cargo operations and expand port capacity. The Prime Minister said the projects will create opportunities for farmers, traders, entrepreneurs and students and will support the emergence of tourism and local industries.