PM Modi Visits West Bengal, Inaugurates and Lays Foundation for ₹3,200 Crore National Highway Projects

Ranaghat (West Bengal), December 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting West Bengal on Saturday to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for major National Highway projects worth around ₹3,200 crore. The projects are aimed at improving road connectivity, reducing travel time and supporting economic growth in the state. The Prime Minister is scheduled to reach Ranaghat in Nadia district at around 11:15 am, where he will formally launch the highway projects. He will also address a public gathering during the event. Senior officials from the central and state governments are expected to be present at the programme. During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the four-laning of the Barajaguli–Krishnanagar section of National Highway-34. This upgraded stretch is 66.7 kilometres long and lies entirely within Nadia district. The project is expected to significantly improve road conditions in the region, which is an important route for daily commuters as well as commercial transport. In addition to this, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for another key project—the four-laning of the 17.6-kilometre-long Barasat–Barajaguli section of NH-34 in North 24 Parganas district. Once completed, this stretch will further strengthen road infrastructure in southern West Bengal and improve connectivity between major towns. Both projects are part of a larger plan to enhance the highway corridor connecting Kolkata and Siliguri. This route is one of the most important road networks in the state, linking the capital city with north Bengal and the northeastern region of the country. The improved corridor is expected to make long-distance travel faster, safer and more comfortable. According to officials, the upgraded highway sections will help reduce travel time between Kolkata and Siliguri by nearly two hours. The smoother roads and wider lanes are also expected to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and lower vehicle operating costs for transporters and private vehicle owners alike. The projects are expected to benefit not only daily commuters but also traders, transport operators and businesses that rely on efficient road transport. Improved connectivity can help boost trade, tourism and local economic activities in the districts along the highway route. The National Highway upgrades are being carried out with a focus on long-term development. Better roads can improve access to markets, healthcare facilities and educational institutions, especially for people living in nearby towns and rural areas. Officials said the projects will also create employment opportunities during the construction phase. Prime Minister Modi’s visit highlights the Centre’s focus on strengthening infrastructure in West Bengal. Over the past few years, several highway, railway and port-related projects have been launched in the state to support regional development and improve connectivity with other parts of the country. The Prime Minister is expected to emphasize the role of modern infrastructure in driving economic growth and improving quality of life. He may also highlight how improved highways can support industries, reduce logistics costs and attract new investments to the region. With the launch of these National Highway projects, the government aims to ensure smoother movement of people and goods across West Bengal. Once completed, the upgraded NH-34 corridor is expected to play a key role in supporting the state’s economic growth while making travel faster and safer for millions of road users. PM Modi Visits West Bengal, Inaugurates and Lays Foundation for ₹3,200 Crore National Highway Projects Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting West Bengal today to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for major National Highway projects worth around ₹3,200 crore. The projects aim to improve road connectivity, reduce travel time and support economic growth across the state. At around 11:15 am, the Prime Minister will attend a programme at Ranaghat in Nadia district, where he will launch the highway projects and address a public gathering. The event marks another step in strengthening road infrastructure in West Bengal. During the visit, PM Modi will inaugurate the four-laning of the 66.7-kilometre Barajaguli–Krishnanagar stretch of National Highway-34 in Nadia district. This upgraded section is expected to provide smoother travel for daily commuters, transport vehicles and long-distance travellers. He will also lay the foundation stone for the four-laning of the 17.6-kilometre Barasat–Barajaguli section of NH-34 in North 24 Parganas district. Once completed, this project will further improve connectivity between key towns in southern West Bengal. Both highway projects are part of a crucial corridor linking Kolkata with Siliguri. This route is important for travel to north Bengal and the northeastern states. After completion, the upgraded highway is expected to reduce travel time by nearly two hours, making journeys faster and more comfortable. The improved roads will help ensure better traffic flow, reduced congestion and lower vehicle operating costs. They are also expected to boost trade, tourism and business activities by making transport more efficient. The projects will benefit local residents, transporters, traders and businesses, while also creating job opportunities during construction. With these developments, the government aims to improve access to markets, healthcare and education in the region. PM Modi’s visit highlights the focus on building strong infrastructure to support growth and improve everyday travel for people across West Bengal.