Singur (Hooghly): Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated, laid the foundation stone and flagged off multiple development projects worth over ₹830 crore in Singur, Hooghly district of West Bengal, giving a major boost to rail, waterway and port-based infrastructure in the state. Addressing a public gathering, the Prime Minister said that the development of eastern India is essential for building a “Viksit Bharat” and the Centre is continuously working in this direction.
Prime Minister Modi said that after being in Malda a day earlier, it was a privilege to interact with the people of Hooghly. He emphasised that the projects launched over the last two days reflect the government’s strong commitment to accelerating West Bengal’s development. These initiatives, he said, would play a crucial role in strengthening industrial growth, trade, logistics and employment generation in the state.
Highlighting the expansion of rail connectivity, the Prime Minister said that the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train has been launched from West Bengal. In addition, the state has received nearly half a dozen new Amrit Bharat Express trains, with three more flagged off on the day. One of these trains will further strengthen connectivity between West Bengal and his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, while others will improve links with Delhi and Tamil Nadu. He described the last 24 hours as unprecedented for rail connectivity in the state.
Prime Minister Modi also underlined the vast potential of inland waterways in West Bengal. He said the Centre is providing continuous support for the development of port-based infrastructure and riverine transport projects. Referring to recent inaugurations and foundation-laying ceremonies related to ports and waterways, he said these projects are critical pillars for transforming West Bengal into a major hub for manufacturing, trade and logistics.
Stressing the employment potential of port-led development, the Prime Minister said that greater focus on ports and their surrounding ecosystems directly translates into more job creation. Over the past 11 years, significant investments have been made to expand the capacity of the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, along with improved road connectivity under the Sagarmala programme. As a result, Kolkata Port recorded new cargo-handling records in the previous year, he noted.
The Prime Minister also spoke about the expanded port gate system being developed at Balagarh, saying it would open up new opportunities for Hooghly and nearby regions. This initiative will help reduce traffic and logistics pressure on Kolkata city while boosting cargo movement through the Ganga waterway. He said the integrated infrastructure would transform Hooghly into a warehousing and trading hub, attract investments worth hundreds of crores, generate thousands of jobs, benefit small traders and transporters, and create new markets for farmers and producers.
Emphasising multi-modal connectivity and green transport, Prime Minister Modi said India is linking ports, waterways, highways and airports to ensure seamless transportation. This approach has helped reduce logistics costs and transit time. He also highlighted efforts to promote environment-friendly transport, including the introduction of hybrid electric vessels to strengthen river transport on the Hooghly, reduce pollution and boost river-based tourism.
The Prime Minister said India is making rapid progress in fisheries and marine food production and exports, and expressed his vision of West Bengal emerging as a leader in this sector. He added that the Centre is strongly supporting the state’s approach towards river-waterway development, benefiting both farmers and fishermen.
Governor of West Bengal C.V. Ananda Bose, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministers Shantanu Thakur and Sukanta Majumdar, along with other dignitaries, were present on the occasion.
