Prime Minister Modi Boosts Connectivity in Kolkata, a Game-Changer in the Poll Season

New Delhi : In a significant development amidst the ongoing election season, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited West Bengal today to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for multiple connectivity projects in Kolkata. With a total investment of Rs 15,400 crores, these projects focus on revolutionizing urban mobility in the region, a move seen as crucial in the upcoming polls.

The Prime Minister's visit was marked by the inauguration of various development projects, including the Howrah Maidan - Esplanade Metro section of Kolkata Metro, equipped with India's first underwater transportation tunnel. This innovative addition aims to decongest road traffic and provide seamless, easy, and comfortable connectivity for the people of Kolkata.

Highlighting the historic significance of the day, Prime Minister Modi took a metro ride on the Esplanade - Howrah Maidan metro route, interacting with both shramiks and school children during the journey. In a series of posts on social media, he expressed his gratitude, saying, "The metro journey was made memorable thanks to the company of these youngsters and those who worked on this project."

"It’s a very special day for the people of Kolkata as the city’s metro network gets significantly enhanced. Connectivity will get a boost and traffic will get decongested. It’s a proud moment that the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade Metro section has the first underwater metro transportation tunnel under any major river in our country," he added.

In a move aimed at enhancing urban mobility, the Prime Minister inaugurated several key metro sections, including Kavi Subhash - Hemanta Mukhopadhyay Metro section, Taratala - Majerhat Metro section (part of Joka-Esplanade line), Pune Metro from Ruby Hall Clinic to Ramwadi stretch, Kochi Metro Rail Phase I Extension project (Phase IB), Agra Metro's stretch from Taj East Gate to Mankameshwar, and the Duhai-Modinagar (North) section of Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor.

The inauguration of the Majerhat Metro Station on the Taratala - Majerhat Metro section was highlighted as a unique elevated Metro station across railway lines, platforms, and a canal. Additionally, the Agra Metro’s section inaugurated today is expected to enhance connectivity to historical tourist places, further emphasizing the socio-economic impact of these projects.

With the aim of boosting economic activity in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for extending the Pune Metro Rail project Phase 1 between Pimpri Chinchwad Metro-Nigdi. The overall impact of these connectivity projects is poised to play a crucial role in the upcoming polls, providing the people of West Bengal with improved infrastructure and mobility options.

In his concluding remarks, Prime Minister Modi stated, "Memorable moments from the Kolkata Metro. I bow to the Jan Shakti and will keep serving them with renewed vigour." As the poll season gains momentum, the inauguration of these transformative projects is set to become a key talking point in West Bengal's political landscape.