The North News
New Delhi, January 16
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit West Bengal on January 17 and 18, where he is scheduled to launch and lay the foundation stone for infrastructure projects worth more than ₹4,000 crore. On January 17, the Prime Minister Modi will be in Malda, where he will flag off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train linking Howrah with Guwahati (Kamakhya). The fully air-conditioned train is designed for long-distance overnight travel and is expected to cut journey time on the route by about two and a half hours, according to official statement.
During the visit, the Prime Minister will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for rail and road projects worth over ₹3,250 crore. These include new rail lines, electrification works, freight and maintenance facilities in north Bengal, and the four-laning of a key stretch of National Highway-31D.
Prime Minister will additionally flag off several new train services, including Amrit Bharat Express trains connecting West Bengal with destinations such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi and Tamil Nadu, aimed at improving long-distance and affordable rail connectivity. The Prime Minister on January 18 will travel to Singur in Hooghly district, where he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for development projects worth more than Rs 830 crore.
A major announcement is expected at Balagarh, where Modi will lay the foundation stone for the Extended Port Gate System, including an inland water transport terminal and a road overbridge. The project is intended to improve cargo movement along the Hooghly River, ease congestion in Kolkata and support regional industries and employment. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate a new railway line in Bankura district and flag off additional Amrit Bharat Express services from Kolkata. An electric catamaran for inland water transport in Kolkata is also scheduled to be launched during the visit.
