Kolkata, Aug 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects worth over Rs 5,200 crore in Kolkata, West Bengal, marking a major push for urban infrastructure and connectivity in the region.

Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister shared his experience of traveling on the Kolkata Metro from Noapara to Jai Hind Airport, highlighting the growing satisfaction among citizens with the modernization of public transport.

PM Modi announced the addition of 14 km of new metro lines and seven new stations to the Kolkata Metro network, connecting key hubs including Howrah, Sealdah, and the airport. “This expansion will significantly enhance the Ease of Living and Ease of Travel for the people of Kolkata,” he said.

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for the six-lane elevated Kona Expressway, which is expected to dramatically improve port connectivity and reduce travel time across the region. He emphasized that cities like Kolkata are central to India’s journey toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy.

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PM Modi highlighted India’s rapid metro expansion—from 250 km in 2014 to over 1,000 km today—making it the third-largest metro network globally. He also spoke about green mobility initiatives, including increased electric buses and charging stations, and the ‘Waste to Wealth’ program that converts urban waste into energy.

In a major boost to rail infrastructure, PM Modi announced that West Bengal has achieved 100% railway electrification. He also fulfilled a long-standing public demand by confirming the launch of a MEMU train between Purulia and Howrah. Currently, nine Vande Bharat trains and two Amrit Bharat trains operate across the state.

The Prime Minister concluded by stating that these projects reflect the vision of a “21st-century transport system” and reaffirmed the central government’s commitment to West Bengal’s development.

West Bengal Governor Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose and Union Ministers Shantanu Thakur, Ravneet Singh Bittu, and Dr. Sukanta Majumdar were present at the event. (IANS)