Guwahati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and dedicated several developmental projects in the rail and road sectors worth over Rs 4500 crores from Siliguri, West Bengal, on Saturday.
The Prime Minister dedicated multiple electrification projects covering 438.77 km of rail lines, benefiting the people of North Bengal and nearby regions.
projects include the Eklakhi – Balurghat section, Barsoi – Radhikapur section, Raninagar Jalpaiguri – Haldibari section, Siliguri – Aluabari section via Bagdogra, and Siliguri – Sivok – Alipurduar Jn. – Samuktala (including Alipurduar Jn. – New Coochbehar) section.
Additionally, the Prime Minister inaugurated other crucial railway projects, including the doubling of the railway line in the Manigram – Nimtita section and automatic block signaling in Ambari Falakata – Aluabari, including electronic interlocking in New Jalpaiguri.
He also flagged off a new passenger train service between Siliguri and Radhikapur. The doubling of railway lines in this section is expected to facilitate the movement of coal rakes to thermal power plants, thereby improving rail connectivity, facilitating freight movement, and contributing to employment generation and economic growth in the region.
Earlier, PM Modi dedicated two railway doubling projects covering 70.59 km of rail lines from Jorhat in Assam. These projects, completed at a cost of Rs. 1328 crore, include the doubling of the Dhupdhara – Chhaygaon section and the New Bongaigaon – Sorbhog section.
These initiatives aim to decongest rail sections and facilitate smooth movement of train services, thereby boosting the socio-economic growth of the region through increased freight train movement.
Addressing the occasion, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the significance of the Northern part of West Bengal as the gateway to the Northeast and emphasised the need for modernized rail and road infrastructure.
He mentioned the completion of electrification projects on various rail lines, which will enhance train speeds and reduce pollution in forest areas. The electrification of the Barsoi – Radhikapur section is expected to benefit both Bihar and West Bengal.
Referring to the introduction of a new train service between Radhikapur and Siliguri, Prime Minister Modi stressed that strengthening railways in West Bengal will spur new possibilities of development and ease the lives of common people.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining the pace of development with increased investment in connectivity and the introduction of high-speed trains.
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PM Modi inaugurated two National Highway projects in North Bengal and virtually laid the foundation stone of several developmental and infrastructural projects in Assam.
Additionally, he inaugurated, dedicated, and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects in Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Also Read | PM Modi calls Northeast ‘gateway’ to South, Southeast Asia