Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone, inaugurated, and dedicated development projects worth over ₹5,400 crore in Durgapur, West Bengal, marking a significant step toward strengthening the region’s infrastructure and economic growth. Addressing a gathering in the Steel City, known for its robust labor force, the Prime Minister highlighted Durgapur’s pivotal role in India’s development journey. He emphasized that the projects launched will enhance connectivity, promote a gas-based economy, and reinforce Durgapur’s industrial identity while aligning with the vision of “Make in India, Make for the World.” The initiatives are expected to create numerous employment opportunities for the youth of West Bengal.
PM Modi underscored that India’s resolve to become a developed nation by 2047, or Viksit Bharat, is a focal point of global discussions, driven by transformative changes in infrastructure. He highlighted the government’s achievements over the past decade, including the construction of over 4 crore pucca houses, crores of toilets, more than 12 crore tap water connections, thousands of kilometers of new roads and highways, new railway lines, airports in small towns, and widespread internet access reaching villages and households. In West Bengal, he noted significant advancements in rail connectivity, with the state leading in operating Vande Bharat trains, expanding the Kolkata Metro, and modernizing railway stations. The inauguration of two road overbridges in Paschim Bardhaman under the Setu Bharatam Programme, worth over ₹380 crore, will further ease travel and enhance safety by reducing accidents at railway crossings.
The Prime Minister emphasized the integration of Durgapur’s airport into the UDAN scheme, which has facilitated over 5 lakh passenger journeys in the past year. He noted that such infrastructure not only improves convenience but also generates employment, with even the production of raw materials for these projects creating substantial job opportunities.
In the energy sector, PM Modi highlighted India’s unprecedented progress in gas connectivity over the past decade, with LPG reaching households nationwide and earning global recognition. He outlined the government’s “One Nation, One Gas Grid” vision through the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga Yojana, which includes laying gas pipelines across six eastern states, including West Bengal. The Durgapur to Kolkata section of the Durgapur-Haldia Natural Gas Pipeline, worth over ₹1,190 crore, was dedicated to the nation, passing through Purba Bardhman, Hooghly, and Nadia districts. This pipeline will supply natural gas to lakhs of households, enable CNG for vehicles, and support gas-based industrial technologies. Additionally, the foundation stone for Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd’s City Gas Distribution project in Bankura and Purulia, worth around ₹1,950 crore, was laid to provide piped natural gas to households, commercial establishments, and industries, further boosting employment.
The Prime Minister also dedicated retrofitting pollution control systems (Flue Gas Desulphurization) at the Durgapur Steel Thermal Power Station and Raghunathpur Thermal Power Station, worth over ₹1,457 crore. These upgrades enhance efficiency, support cleaner energy production, and position the plants to compete globally. The doubling of the Purulia-Kotshila Rail Line, worth over ₹390 crore, was also dedicated, improving connectivity for industries in Jamshedpur, Bokaro, Dhanbad, Ranchi, and Kolkata, reducing travel time, and streamlining logistics.
PM Modi reiterated that India’s progress in factories and fields is driven by a unified resolve to achieve a developed nation by 2047. He outlined the government’s approach: empowerment through development, self-reliance through employment, and good governance through responsiveness. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that these efforts will position West Bengal as a strong engine of India’s development journey.