Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Durgapur, West Bengal, to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹5,400 crore. These initiatives span across oil and gas, power, road, and rail sectors, marking a significant step toward enhancing the region’s infrastructure and economic growth. The projects align with the vision of “Make in India, Make for the World” and aim to create substantial employment opportunities for the youth of West Bengal.
Key Infrastructure Projects Worth ₹5,400 cr Launched in Bengal
The Prime Minister’s visit to the Steel City of Durgapur focused on launching multiple development initiatives that will significantly boost the region’s connectivity and economic potential. These projects represent a comprehensive approach to infrastructure development across various sectors.
Gas Infrastructure
The foundation stone for Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd (BPCL) City Gas Distribution project in Bankura and Purulia districts, worth approximately ₹1,950 crore, will provide PNG connections to households and CNG at retail outlets.
Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga
The Durgapur to Kolkata section (132 km) of the Durgapur-Haldia Natural Gas Pipeline, worth over ₹1,190 crore, was dedicated to the nation as part of the ambitious Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga Project.
Power Station Upgrades
Retrofitting Pollution Control System-Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) of Durgapur Steel Thermal Power Station and Raghunathpur Thermal Power Station, worth over ₹1,457 crore, will support cleaner energy production.
Rail Connectivity
The doubling of Purulia-Kotshila Rail Line (36 km) in Purulia, worth over ₹390 crore, will improve rail connectivity between industries from Jamshedpur, Bokaro, and Dhanbad with Ranchi and Kolkata.
Road Infrastructure
Two road over bridges (ROBs) constructed under Setu Bharatam Programme, worth over ₹380 crore, at Topsi and Pandabeshwar in Paschim Bardhaman will improve connectivity and prevent accidents at railway crossings.
Investment Distribution
The total investment of over ₹5,400 crore is strategically distributed across various sectors to ensure comprehensive development of the region’s infrastructure ecosystem.
Economic Impact of PM Modi’s Bengal ₹5,400 cr Infrastructure Launch
The infrastructure projects launched by Prime Minister Modi are expected to have a transformative impact on West Bengal’s economy. These initiatives will not only enhance connectivity but also create substantial employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth across various sectors.
Employment Generation
The projects are expected to create thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities across West Bengal. The City Gas Distribution project alone will generate significant employment in installation, maintenance, and operations. Similarly, the railway and road projects will create jobs in construction and ongoing maintenance.
Industrial Growth
The natural gas pipeline will benefit industries in the region by providing a cleaner and more efficient energy source. This infrastructure will enable factories to adopt gas-based technologies, potentially reducing operational costs and environmental impact while improving productivity.
PM Modi’s Vision for West Bengal’s Development
During his address in Durgapur, Prime Minister Modi outlined his vision for West Bengal’s development and its role in India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047. He emphasized three key pillars: empowerment through development, self-reliance through employment, and good governance through responsiveness.
“We have to make India developed by 2047. Our path is – Empowerment through development, Self-reliance through employment and good governance through responsiveness.”
One Nation, One Gas Grid
The Prime Minister highlighted the government’s work on the “One Nation, One Gas Grid” vision and the creation of the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga Pariyojana. This initiative aims to lay gas pipelines across six eastern states, including West Bengal, delivering affordable piped gas to industries and households.
“We have worked on the vision of One Nation, One Gas Grid, created Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga Pariyojana.”
Global Recognition
Modi emphasized that the entire world is discussing India’s resolve for Viksit Bharat (Developed India), reflecting the transformative changes in infrastructure that are laying the foundation for a developed nation. He pointed to achievements such as the construction of pucca houses, toilets, tap water connections, new roads, highways, railway lines, and widespread internet access.
“Today the entire world is discussing our resolve for Viksit Bharat reflecting the changes, especially in infrastructure, on which the edifice of a developed India is being built.”
Explore More About Bengal’s Infrastructure Development
Previous Infrastructure Milestones in Bengal
Explore the major infrastructure developments in West Bengal over the past decade and their impact on the state’s growth.
Upcoming Projects for Bengal’s Growth
Discover the pipeline of future infrastructure projects planned for West Bengal in the coming years.
Community Impact Stories
Read about how infrastructure development is transforming lives and communities across West Bengal.
Enhancing Regional Connectivity Through PM Modi’s Bengal Infrastructure Push
The infrastructure projects launched by PM Modi are strategically designed to enhance connectivity within West Bengal and with neighboring states. This improved connectivity is expected to boost trade, commerce, and overall economic activity in the eastern region.
Rail Connectivity Improvements
The doubling of the Purulia-Kotshila Rail Line will significantly improve connectivity between industrial centers in Jamshedpur, Bokaro, and Dhanbad with Ranchi and Kolkata. This enhanced rail infrastructure will reduce travel time and improve logistics for industries and businesses in the region.
Road Network Enhancements
The two road over bridges at Topsi and Pandabeshwar in Paschim Bardhaman will eliminate bottlenecks at railway crossings, improving road connectivity and reducing the risk of accidents. These projects are part of the broader Setu Bharatam Programme aimed at making all national highways free of railway level crossings.
Gas Pipeline Network
The Durgapur to Kolkata section of the Natural Gas Pipeline, passing through Purba Bardhman, Hooghly, and Nadia districts, will connect major industrial and urban centers. This pipeline is part of the larger Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga network that aims to create a comprehensive gas grid across eastern India.
Political Context of PM Modi’s Bengal ₹5,400 cr Infrastructure Launch
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to West Bengal comes ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, highlighting the strategic importance of infrastructure development in the state’s political landscape. The launch of projects worth over ₹5,400 crore demonstrates the central government’s commitment to West Bengal’s development.
Centre-State Relations
The infrastructure push comes amid complex centre-state relations, with the central government emphasizing its commitment to West Bengal’s development regardless of political differences. The projects represent significant central investment in the state’s infrastructure ecosystem.
Development as Political Strategy
Infrastructure development has emerged as a key political strategy ahead of the 2026 elections. By focusing on tangible development projects that directly impact citizens’ lives, the central government aims to strengthen its position in the state.
Key Political Takeaway: The ₹5,400 crore infrastructure launch demonstrates how development initiatives are increasingly becoming central to political narratives in West Bengal, with both the central and state governments competing to showcase their development credentials.
Reactions from Local Leaders and Citizens
The announcement and inauguration of infrastructure projects worth ₹5,400 crore have generated significant reactions from local leaders, industry representatives, and citizens across West Bengal. These responses highlight the perceived impact and expectations from these development initiatives.
Political Reactions
Local political leaders have expressed mixed reactions to the infrastructure push. While some have welcomed the development initiatives, others have raised questions about implementation timelines and fund allocation mechanisms.
“These infrastructure projects will significantly boost Bengal’s economic potential if implemented properly and in a timely manner.”
Industry Perspective
Industry representatives have largely welcomed the infrastructure initiatives, particularly the gas pipeline and improved rail connectivity. They anticipate reduced operational costs and enhanced logistics efficiency for businesses across the region.
“The natural gas pipeline will help industries adopt cleaner technologies while potentially reducing energy costs by 20-30%.”
Citizen Voices
Citizens have expressed hope that these projects will translate into tangible improvements in their daily lives. Many anticipate better connectivity, more employment opportunities, and improved access to clean energy for households.
“We hope the piped natural gas connections will reach our homes soon. It will make cooking easier and safer for thousands of families.”
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Bengal’s Development Story
The ₹5,400 crore infrastructure projects launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi mark a significant milestone in West Bengal’s development journey. From enhancing connectivity through rail and road projects to promoting cleaner energy through gas pipelines and power station upgrades, these initiatives address multiple dimensions of infrastructure development.
As these projects move from inauguration to implementation, they hold the potential to transform the economic landscape of the region, create substantial employment opportunities, and improve the quality of life for millions of citizens. The success of these initiatives will depend on effective execution, continued investment, and collaborative efforts between central and state authorities.
West Bengal’s strategic location as a gateway to Northeast India and neighboring countries positions it uniquely to leverage these infrastructure improvements for broader regional development. The coming years will reveal how these projects contribute to realizing the vision of a developed India by 2047, with West Bengal serving as a strong engine of growth in the eastern region.
Frequently Asked Questions About PM Modi’s Bengal Infrastructure Projects
When will the City Gas Distribution project in Bankura and Purulia be completed?
The Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd (BPCL) City Gas Distribution project in Bankura and Purulia is expected to be implemented in phases over the next 3-5 years. The first connections are likely to be available within 18-24 months of the project commencement.
How many households will benefit from the natural gas pipeline?
According to official statements, the natural gas pipeline is expected to benefit nearly 30 lakh (3 million) households in West Bengal through piped natural gas connections. This will significantly reduce dependence on LPG cylinders and provide a more convenient and consistent gas supply.
What environmental benefits will come from the power station upgrades?
The Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) systems being installed at the Durgapur Steel Thermal Power Station and Raghunathpur Thermal Power Station will significantly reduce sulphur dioxide emissions. This is expected to improve air quality in the surrounding regions and help meet stricter environmental norms.
How many jobs are expected to be created by these infrastructure projects?
While exact numbers haven’t been officially announced, the combined infrastructure projects worth ₹5,400 crore are expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities during both the construction phase and operational phase. The gas distribution network alone is projected to create significant employment in installation, maintenance, and customer service.