The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji addressed ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit West Bengal’ program in Siliguri, West Bengal on 09th March, 2024. He inaugurated and dedicated to the nation multiple projects of rail and road sector worth more than Rs 4500 crores in West Bengal. 

He underlined that the Northern part of West Bengal is the gateway to the Northeast and also provides trade channels with neighbouring countries. Therefore, the development of West Bengal along with the state’s Northern part has been the government’s priority. The need for modernized rail infrastructure was emphasized while mentioning the completion of work on the electrification of rail lines on Eklakhi - Balurghat, Raninagar Jalpaiguri - Haldibari and Siliguri - Aluabari sections which will increase the speed of trains in the areas of North and South Dinajpur, Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri, while the Siliguri - Samuktala route will reduce pollution in the nearing forest areas. Also the electrification of Barsoi - Radhikapur section will benefit both Bihar and West Bengal. Referring to the flagging off of new train service between Radhikapur and Siliguri, PM Modi said that the strengthening of railways in West Bengal will give momentum to new possibilities of development and make lives easier for the common people.

The commitment of maintaining the same speed of trains in the region as the rest of India was shown by the government along with launching modern fast trains. He also mentioned the rail connectivity with Bangladesh as Mitali Express is running from New Jalpaiguri to Dhaka Cantt and connectivity is being extended up to Radhikapur station in collaboration with Bangladesh Government. 

Governor of West Bengal, Shri  C V Ananda Bose, Union Minister of States, Shri Nisith Pramanik and Members of Parliament, Shri Raju Bista were present on the occasion among other Members of Parliament and Legislative Assembly.

Soure - PIB