Singur (West Bengal): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹830 crore in West Bengal, while also flagging off three Amrit Bharat Express trains to strengthen rail connectivity between Kolkata and key regions across the country.
Addressing a public gathering in Singur, located in Hooghly district, the Prime Minister said that central government initiatives are aimed at accelerating the overall development of West Bengal and contributing to the vision of a developed eastern India.
“All centrally funded projects will help fast-track development in West Bengal. The government is committed to achieving comprehensive growth in eastern India,” Modi said.
During the event, the Prime Minister inaugurated the newly constructed Jayrambati–Barogopinathpur–Maynapur railway line and flagged off a passenger train service between Maynapur and Jayrambati, improving local connectivity in the region.
Modi also laid the foundation stone for the Extended Port Gate System at Balagarh in Hooghly district. The project includes an Inland Water Transport (IWT) terminal and a road overbridge, aimed at enhancing cargo movement and logistics efficiency.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the Balagarh terminal is being developed across nearly 900 acres as a modern cargo-handling hub with a projected capacity of approximately 2.7 million tonnes per annum. The facility is expected to ease congestion by diverting cargo traffic away from densely populated urban areas.
In addition, the Prime Minister flagged off three Amrit Bharat Express trains linking Kolkata with New Delhi, Varanasi, and Chennai. The trains will operate on the Howrah–Anand Vihar Terminal, Sealdah–Banaras, and Santragachi–Tambaram routes, significantly improving long-distance rail connectivity for passengers.
The newly launched services are expected to enhance travel convenience, reduce journey times, and support economic activity across multiple states.
