PM Modi Launches Rs 5,200 Crore Development Projects in Kolkata; Lays Foundation Stone for Kona Expressway.
“Cities like Kolkata represent the rich identity of both India’s history and its future” – PM Modi.
Kolkata:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple infrastructure and transport development projects worth over Rs. 5,200 crore in Kolkata, West Bengal today. In a major push to modernise urban transport and connectivity, the Prime Minister flagged off new metro services, unveiled plans for a six-lane elevated expressway, and celebrated West Bengal’s significant progress in railway electrification and infrastructure growth.
Transforming Kolkata’s Transport Landscape
Addressing a large gathering at the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the pivotal role of cities like Kolkata and Dum Dum in India’s journey toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy. Sharing his experience of riding the Kolkata Metro from Noapara to Jai Hind Airport, he said the modernisation of the city’s public transport system has been well received by citizens.
The PM flagged off several metro services including:
- Noapara–Jai Hind Bimanbandar
- Sealdah–Esplanade
- Beleghata–Hemanta Mukhopadhyay
He also inaugurated a newly constructed subway at Howrah Metro Station, boosting multimodal transport connectivity.
“These metro sections will bring tremendous ease to the lives of lakhs of daily commuters by reducing travel time, easing congestion, and integrating with other major transit hubs like Howrah, Sealdah, and Kolkata Airport,” PM Modi stated.
Kona Expressway: Gateway to Better Connectivity
A key highlight of the event was the laying of the foundation stone for the 7.2 km-long six-lane elevated Kona Expressway, a Rs1200 crore project. Once completed, the expressway will drastically improve connectivity between Howrah and Kolkata, especially for rural areas and port traffic.
“This project will save hours of travel time and give a major boost to trade, commerce, and tourism in the region,” PM Modi said.
Kolkata Leads India’s Metro Expansion
PM Modi lauded the expansion of metro infrastructure across Indian cities, stating that the country now boasts over 1,000 km of metro lines, compared to just 250 km in 2014.
“In Kolkata alone, approximately 14 km of new metro lines and seven new stations are being added. This marks another major step in the Ease of Living and Ease of Travel for the people of the city,” he remarked.
Seamless, Future-Ready Urban Transport
Highlighting the government’s vision for 21st-century infrastructure, PM Modi emphasised that modern transport systems—from railways and roads to metros and airports—are being interconnected to deliver seamless, efficient, and eco-friendly mobility across Indian cities.
“Today, two of India’s busiest railway stations—Howrah and Sealdah—are now linked via metro, reducing travel time from over an hour to just minutes,” he noted. The Howrah Station subway, also inaugurated today, is set to drastically cut down interchange time between major train lines.
Green Mobility, Electrification, and Local Demands Addressed
The Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to green mobility. He mentioned that cities are being equipped with more electric buses and charging stations, while the ‘Waste to Wealth’ initiative is helping urban areas generate electricity from waste.
West Bengal, he added, has become one of the few states to achieve 100% railway electrification. A long-standing demand for a MEMU train between Purulia and Howrah has also been fulfilled.
Currently, nine Vande Bharat trains and two Amrit Bharat trains operate in the state, reflecting a strong push toward high-speed, modern rail connectivity.
Building the Foundation for Future Growth
“Over the past 11 years, we’ve completed several major highway projects in this region, and many more are underway,” PM Modi said, concluding his address. “All these developments are not just about infrastructure, they’re about giving the people of Kolkata and West Bengal the tools for a better future.”
The event saw the presence of several senior leaders and dignitaries, including:
- Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose, Governor of West Bengal
- Shantanu Thakur, Union Minister
- Ravneet Singh Bittu, Union Minister
- Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, State BJP President
Background:
Today’s event was part of PM Modi’s continued commitment to providing world-class infrastructure and promoting urban transformation across India. His visit to Kolkata included a metro ride, inauguration of three metro corridors, and laying the foundation stone for a landmark expressway.
The Noapara–Jai Hind Bimanbandar metro service is set to greatly enhance access to the airport, while the Sealdah–Esplanade route will cut travel time from 40 minutes to just 11 minutes. Meanwhile, the Beleghata–Hemanta Mukhopadhyay sect
