**Executive Summary**
This document reports on the launch of development works in Kolkata, West Bengal, including road, railway, and port infrastructure projects valued at over 18,000 crore rupees. The projects aim to boost the economy, improve connectivity, and create new opportunities for West Bengal and Eastern India. The speech was delivered on March 14, 2026.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Inaugurated Projects:**
* Road, railway, and port infrastructure projects worth over 18,000 crore rupees have been inaugurated or had foundation stones laid.
* Kharagpur-Moregram Expressway completion will accelerate economic activities.
* Dubrajpur bypass and bridges over Kangshabati and Shilabati rivers will improve connectivity.
* Automatic block signaling system in Kalaikunda and Kanimahuli sections dedicated to the nation, increasing rail capacity, safety, and convenience.
* Six stations inaugurated as Amrit Stations: Kamakhya Gudi, Anara, Tamluk, Haldia, Barabhum, and Siuri.
* A new express train service between Purulia and Anand Vihar Terminal has been flagged off.
* Haldia Dock Complex is being mechanized to speed up cargo operations and increase port capacity.
* Renovation of the bascule bridge in the Kolkata Dock System is underway.
* Focus on increasing cargo handling capacity at Khidderpore Dock.
* **Objectives and Benefits:**
* To give new momentum to West Bengal and Eastern India.
* To promote trade and industry.
* To make lives of millions easier and provide new opportunities.
* To modernize railways and expand West Bengal's railway infrastructure.
* To strengthen the logistics system of Eastern India.
* To pave the way for the modern future of West Bengal, benefiting farmers, traders, entrepreneurs, and students.
* To foster growth in tourism and local industries and services.
* To help Bengal achieve the glory of becoming a 'Developed Bengal.'
**Impact Analysis**
* **People of West Bengal and Eastern India**
* **Impact:** Will benefit from enhanced connectivity, improved trade and industrial progress, increased economic activities, and new opportunities. Millions will experience easier lives.
* **Action Required:** None explicitly stated beyond benefiting from the projects.
* **Farmers, Traders, and Entrepreneurs**
* **Impact:** Will benefit from new pathways for modern future, increased trade and industrial progress, and new opportunities.
* **Action Required:** None explicitly stated beyond benefiting from the projects.
* **Students**
* **Impact:** Will benefit from new opportunities and pathways for the modern future.
* **Action Required:** None explicitly stated beyond benefiting from the projects.
* **Passengers**
* **Impact:** Will experience increased safety, speed, and convenience in rail travel due to the new signaling system.
* **Action Required:** None explicitly stated.
* **Logistics System of Eastern India**
* **Impact:** Will be strengthened through port infrastructure projects, mechanization of Haldia Dock Complex, and increased cargo handling capacity at Khidderpore Dock.
* **Action Required:** None explicitly stated.
Key Entities Referenced
Kolkata: Central location for the launch of development works and a major center of trade.
West Bengal: Region where development works are being launched, impacting its infrastructure and economy.
Haldia Dock Complex: Port facility undergoing mechanization and expansion to improve trade.
Amrit Stations: Inaugurated railway stations as part of a modernization campaign.
Kharagpur-Moregram Expressway: Infrastructure project aimed at accelerating economic activities in West Bengal.
Prime Minister's Office
English rendering of PM’s speech during the
launch of development works in Kolkata, West
Bengal
Posted On: 14 MAR 2026 4:46PM by PIB Delhi
Governor Shri R. N. Ravi ji, my colleagues in the Union Cabinet Shantanu Thakur ji, Sukanta Majumdar
ji, Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Shubhendu Adhikari ji, my fellow parliamentarian Shamik
Bhattacharya ji, other public representatives, ladies and gentlemen,
Today, from the soil of Kolkata, a new chapter of development for West Bengal and Eastern India is being
written. Road, railway, and port infrastructure projects worth more than 18 thousand crore rupees have
been inaugurated and foundation stones laid. These projects will give new momentum to West Bengal and
Eastern India, promote trade and industry, make the lives of millions easier, and provide them with new
opportunities. With the completion of the Kharagpur–Moregram Expressway, economic activities will
accelerate in many parts of West Bengal. The Dubrajpur bypass, and the large bridges being built over the
Kangshabati and Shilabati rivers, will further improve connectivity. I extend my heartfelt congratulations
to the people of West Bengal and Eastern India for these projects.
Friends,
Today, a rapid campaign is underway to modernize the railways in the country. Our resolve is that West
Bengal should not lag behind in this campaign! Therefore, the central government is making strong efforts
to expand West Bengal’s railway infrastructure. Today, the automatic block signaling system in the
Kalaikunda and Kanimahuli sections has been dedicated to the nation. This will increase the capacity of
busy rail routes, make travel safer, and enhance speed and convenience for passengers.
Friends,
Today, six stations-Kamakhya Gudi, Anara, Tamluk, Haldia, Barabhum, and Siuri-have been inaugurated
as Amrit Stations. The great culture of Bengal is now shining even more brightly at these stations. Many
more stations are also being redeveloped here. A new express train service between Purulia and Anand
Vihar Terminal has also been flagged off. This train service will benefit not only the people of West
Bengal but also those in Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.
Friends,
Just as road and rail connectivity are important, ports and water transport also play a crucial role. For
decades, the potential of Eastern India in this regard was neglected. But today, waterways are opening new
paths for trade and industrial progress. In this direction, important port infrastructure projects have been
inaugurated and foundation stones laid today. Ports like Kolkata and Haldia have long been major centers
of trade in Eastern India. The Haldia Dock Complex is being mechanized. This will speed up cargo
operations, increase port capacity, and create new facilities for trade. Renovation of the bascule bridge in
the Kolkata Dock System is also underway. We are also focusing on increasing cargo handling capacity at
Khidderpore Dock. All these projects will strengthen the logistics system of Eastern India.Friends,
These new projects related to roads, railways, and ports are opening new pathways for the modern future
of West Bengal. Farmers, traders, entrepreneurs, students-everyone will benefit. New opportunities will
also arise in sectors like tourism. Local industries and services will gain momentum. Our resolve is that
Bengal, which has always guided India, should once again achieve that glory by becoming a ‘Developed
Bengal.’ I am fully confident that strong connectivity and modern infrastructure will form the foundation
of a developed Bengal. With this wish, I once again extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you for
these development projects. Now, as soon as this official program concludes, I will go to the open grounds
where the entire Bengal has gathered. I will have the privilege of meeting the people of Bengal and
discussing very important issues among them. For this program, this much is enough.
Thank you very much!
Best wishes to all!
DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister's address. Original address
was delivered in Hindi.
****
MJPS/VJ/ST
(Release ID: 2240172) Visitor Counter : 312
Read this release in: Urdu , ही , Manipuri , Bengali , Gujarati , Tamil