The projects form part of a broader effort to improve transport networks and economic linkages in eastern India. According to officials, highway works covering more than 420 kilometres and costing around ₹16,990 crore were either inaugurated or launched during the programme.
One of the central projects is the 231-kilometre four-lane Kharagpur–Moregram economic corridor on NH-116A. This corridor is a key segment of the larger Kharagpur to Siliguri economic route. It will pass through Paschim Medinipur, Bankura, Hooghly, Purba Bardhaman, Birbhum and Murshidabad districts, improving road connectivity across large parts of the state.
Officials said the corridor will shorten the distance between Kharagpur and Moregram by roughly 120 kilometres and is expected to reduce travel time by nearly seven to eight hours. The new highway will also connect with major national highways, including NH-16, NH-19, NH-14 and NH-12, creating stronger transport integration across the region.
Road Infrastructure Projects Target Faster and Safer Travel
In addition to the corridor, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for a 5.6-kilometre four-lane bypass at Dubrajpur on NH-14. The bypass is expected to ease congestion in the town’s densely populated areas and cut travel time by about an hour.
The government also announced the construction of an additional four-lane bridge over the Kangshabati and Shilabati rivers along NH-14.
Meanwhile, completed sections of NH-19 in West Bengal and Jharkhand and NH-114 in West Bengal were inaugurated. These improvements are expected to strengthen road safety, reduce traffic congestion, lower pollution levels and improve overall connectivity in the region.
Port Upgrades and River Tourism Initiatives
A series of maritime infrastructure projects was also launched, linked to the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port. At the Haldia Dock Complex, the mechanisation of Berth No. 2 was inaugurated. The project is expected to make cargo handling faster and more efficient while reducing environmental impact and improving operational safety.
The rejuvenation of Khidderpore Docks was also inaugurated.
Further projects include the mechanisation of Berth No. 5 at Haldia Dock Complex, the renovation of the Bascule Bridge in Kolkata, yard development works at Kidderpore Dock facilities and riverbank protection works along the Kolkata riverfront from the Howrah Bridge pylon to Nimtala Ghat.
Plans were also announced for a river cruise terminal and tourism facility near the Indenture Memorial, aimed at encouraging river-based tourism in the city.
Railway Connectivity Expanded
Railway connectivity was also strengthened during the programme. The Prime Minister flagged off the Purulia–Anand Vihar Terminal Express, improving rail links between West Bengal and the national capital region and connecting several eastern and northern states.
Six railway stations redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme were also inaugurated. These include Kamakhyaguri, Anara, Tamluk, Haldia, Barabhum and Siuri.
In addition, two railway infrastructure projects were dedicated to the nation. These include a 16-kilometre third railway line between Belda and Dantan and the Automatic Block Signalling system between Kalaikunda and Kanimohuli in the South Eastern Railway zone. The projects are expected to improve train safety, enhance punctuality and ease congestion on key routes.
The initiatives reflect the government’s broader effort to strengthen transport infrastructure and promote long-term economic growth across West Bengal and eastern India.
