The Union Road Transport and Highways minister, Nitin Gadkari, announced that the Centre has approved Rs 10,426.2 million (mn) for the widening and strengthening of six road projects in West Bengal covering 194.1 km under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) scheme. The projects are intended to improve road connectivity, reduce travel time and enhance safety across the affected corridors. The funding will be disbursed under CRIF allocations and administered through the state's executing agencies. The minister's social media update stated that the works are intended to strengthen access to markets, educational institutions and healthcare facilities while boosting regional trade and supporting local economies. The announcement also highlighted improvements in last-mile connectivity and tourism potential as part of broader development objectives. The minister's briefing tied the works to objectives of improving safety standards and reducing congestion on major stretches. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari instructed all government agencies and departments to undertake repairs on battered urban and rural stretches and set a deadline of Oct 10 for completion of repair works ahead of the puja. He convened a review meeting with officials from the Kolkata Port Trust, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, the Public Works Department and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation at Nabanna and directed fast-track repair of port area stretches after noting their poor condition during a visit with the Union Defence Minister. Officials were instructed to coordinate timelines and share progress reports with the state secretariat to ensure timely completion. Potholes and deteriorating thoroughfares have been flagged as a serious concern across multiple locations and the state government has sanctioned funds to address these. The panchayat department has been tasked with repairing 3,200 roads in rural areas while the urban development and municipal affairs department will manage works within municipal jurisdictions, with implementation to proceed alongside the six CRIF projects. Work under the CRIF projects will run alongside routine maintenance to address immediate hazards while broader strengthening proceeds.