India of the 21st century is progressing at a fast pace: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth Rs 7,200 crore in Arambagh, Hooghly, West Bengal today. The developmental projects of today are associated with sectors like rail, ports, oil pipeline, LPG supply and wastewater treatment.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister noted the rapid growth of 21st-century India and the resolution of making India Viksit by 2047. He reiterated the priorities of empowerment of youth, women, farmers and the poor. “We have always strived for the welfare of the poor and its results are now visible to the world”, he said. He emphasized the fact that 25 crore people coming out of poverty indicates the correctness of the direction, policies and decisions of the government. The main reason for all this is the right intentions, he added. 

The Prime Minister underlined that development projects worth more than Rs 7,000 crores have been inaugurated and foundation stones have been laid towards the development of West Bengal which includes sectors of rail, ports, petroleum and jal shakti. “Central Government strives to modernize railways in West Bengal at the same pace as the rest of the country”, the Prime Minister said, mentioning the third rail line connecting Jhargram – Salgajhari to improve rail connectivity while encouraging tourism and industry in the region. He also spoke about the doubling of Sondalia – Champapukur and Dankuni – Bhattanagar – Baltikuri rail lines. The Prime Minister also spoke about the development projects to strengthen infrastructure at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata and three other projects worth more than Rs 1,000 crores. 

PM Modi said, “India showed the world how development can be done in harmony with the environment” giving an example of the Haldia Barauni crude pipeline. Crude oil is transported through four states – Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal through the pipeline to three refineries, resulting in savings and environmental protection. He said the LPG Bottling plant will benefit 7 states and will address the demand for LPG in the area. Sewage treatment plants will also benefit lakhs of people in many districts. 

“Initiation of an infrastructure project in a state opens up multiple avenues for employment”, the Prime Minister emphasized, informing about this year’s budget allocation worth more than Rs 13,000 crores for the development of railways in West Bengal, an amount three times that of pre-2014. He said that the government prioritizes the electrification of rail lines, the upgradation of passenger facilities and the redevelopment of railway stations. Throwing light on the pending projects that were completed in the last 10 years, the Prime Minister informed that more than 3,000 km of rail lines in West Bengal have been electrified, about 100 railway stations are being redeveloped including the redevelopment of Tarakeswar Railway Station under Amrit Station scheme, initiation of more than 150 new train services, and flagging off of 5 new Vande Bharat Express. 

The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the resolutions of Viksit Bharat will be accomplished with the contributions of the people of West Bengal and conveyed his best wishes to the citizens for the development projects of today.  

Governor of West Bengal, Dr C V Ananda Bose and Union Minister of State for Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Shantanu Thakur were present on the occasion among others.