PM Modi’s recent visit to Kolkata on March 6, 2024, is an important milestone with the inauguration and foundation stone laying of projects worth a total of ₹15,400 crore. The visit, his second visit to West Bengal in just five days, is part of a comprehensive 10-day visit to 12 states and union territories that underlines the central government’s commitment to infrastructural development across the country.
Underwater Metro Miracle of India
The highlight of his visit was the inauguration of the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section of the East-West corridor of the Kolkata Metro. This section introduces India to its first underwater metro service. Spanning 4.8 kilometers and built at a cost of ₹4,965 crore, this engineering feat includes India’s deepest metro station at 30 meters below ground in Howrah.
The project is a significant leap in connecting major urban areas including the IT hub of Salt Lake Sector V, enhancing urban mobility and reducing commute time for thousands of residents.
Increasing urban connectivity
Apart from the underwater metro, PM Modi flagged off several other important train services aimed at boosting urban mobility across the city. These services include the Kavi Subhash-Hemant Mukhopadhyay and Taratala-Majerhat metro sections, underscoring the government’s focus on improving public transport facilities in urban areas.
Nationwide infrastructure boost
The Prime Minister also dedicated to the nation’s various metro and rapid transit projects across the country. These include the Pune Metro section from Ruby Hall Clinic to Ramwadi, Kochi Metro Rail Phase I Extension, the Agra Metro section from Taj East Gate to Mankameshwar, and the Duhai-Modinagar (North) section of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor. These projects reflect a comprehensive approach to tackling urban transportation challenges in many cities.
Addressing the public and political spheres
Later in the day, PM Modi is scheduled to address a public rally in Barasat in North 24 Parganas district, highlighting the political importance of West Bengal in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. His previous visit included public addresses where he criticized the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government on various issues, indicating the heated political atmosphere in the state.
PM Modi-Mamta Banerjee meeting
Amid a flurry of inaugurations and public addresses, PM Modi also met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in what was described as a “courtesy call”. The conversation, held at the Raj Bhavan in Kolkata, hints at the complexities of Centre-state relations, especially in the context of the political scenario of West Bengal.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kolkata not only inaugurated India’s first underwater metro but also set the stage for significant infrastructural and political developments. These initiatives, part of a larger nationwide effort, highlight the government’s commitment to enhancing public infrastructure and addressing urban mobility challenges, promising a future of better connectivity and ease of travel for the Indian population.