Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday dedicated a series of rail and inland waterway infrastructure projects worth over ₹830 crore to the nation, marking a significant boost to connectivity and logistics development in West Bengal. The projects were inaugurated and foundation stones laid during a programme held virtually from Singur in Hooghly district.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister underscored the critical role of eastern India in the country’s growth journey, stating that the development of the region is integral to building a developed India. He noted that projects announced across Malda and Hooghly over the past two days reflect the Centre’s focused approach toward accelerating infrastructure-led growth in West Bengal.
Highlighting recent advancements in rail connectivity, PM Modi pointed out that West Bengal witnessed an unprecedented expansion of passenger services within 24 hours. The country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train was launched from the state, alongside several new Amrit Bharat Express services. He added that three additional Amrit Bharat Express trains were flagged off, including one enhancing connectivity between Varanasi and Bengal, as well as new services linking Delhi and Tamil Nadu.
The Prime Minister also emphasised West Bengal’s vast potential in inland waterways, stating that the Union Government is actively investing in port-led and river-based development. He said projects related to ports and inland waterways inaugurated during the event would serve as key pillars in transforming the state into a hub for manufacturing, trade, and logistics.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, described the ₹830 crore infrastructure dedication as a major step toward strengthening multimodal transport in the state. He said the projects would enhance cargo movement, improve passenger mobility, generate employment, and support energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable transport systems.
Under the ports and inland waterways sector, projects worth ₹552 crore were launched, aimed at strengthening river-based logistics and easing congestion on conventional cargo routes. A key highlight was the inauguration of the Extended Port Gate System at Balagarh by the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority. Located approximately 45 nautical miles upstream from Kolkata, the facility is designed to reduce congestion at the Kolkata Dock System while enabling seamless cargo movement through National Waterway-1.
The Balagarh terminal features two modern barge berths capable of handling containerised and coal cargo, with an annual handling capacity of 2.7 million tonnes. The facility is integrated with road and rail networks, supporting efficient multimodal logistics across eastern India. Additional infrastructure, including a new road overbridge and advanced dredging systems, will ensure year-round navigability and faster cargo turnaround.
As part of the clean mobility push, the Prime Minister also flagged off a 50-passenger hybrid electric aluminium catamaran for inland waterways in Kolkata. Built at a cost of ₹12 crore, the vessel uses lithium-titanate battery technology, offering a low-emission and energy-efficient alternative for urban and riverine passenger transport.
Speaking on the broader vision for inland waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal said the sector had remained underutilised for decades despite its vast potential. He noted that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, inland waterways have been transformed into a cost-effective and sustainable component of India’s multimodal logistics network, helping reduce congestion on roads and railways while lowering logistics costs.
Strengthening rail infrastructure, projects worth ₹280 crore were inaugurated, including the commissioning of the 15-km Jayrambati–Barogopinathpur–Maynapur rail section, part of the larger 83-km Tarakeswar–Bishnupur rail line. The new section is expected to drive socio-economic development in Bankura district. A new passenger service between Jayrambati and Maynapur was also flagged off, benefiting daily commuters and students.
Additionally, three new Amrit Bharat Express services were launched, connecting Santragachi with Tambaram, Howrah with Anand Vihar Terminal, and Sealdah with Banaras, further strengthening economic, cultural, and religious linkages across regions.
The virtual inauguration ceremony was attended by West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose, Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal, Shantanu Thakur, Sukanta Majumdar, and other senior officials.
Together, the rail and waterway initiatives reflect the Government of India’s integrated approach to infrastructure development, combining sustainable transport, modern logistics, and enhanced regional connectivity. The projects are expected to reduce logistics costs, ease congestion, improve passenger travel, and reinforce West Bengal’s position as a strategic gateway linking eastern and north-eastern India with the rest of the country.