New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Durgapur in West Bengal tomorrow, where he will launch a series of transformative infrastructure and energy projects worth over ₹5,000 crore.
The visit underlines the central government’s continued focus on industrial growth, energy security, and infrastructure modernization in eastern India.
The Prime Minister will arrive in Durgapur around 3 PM and address a public gathering after inaugurating, dedicating, and laying the foundation stone for projects in vital sectors such as Oil and Gas, Power, Roads, and Railways.
Strengthening Gas Infrastructure for Industrial and Domestic Use
In a significant step to expand the natural gas network in West Bengal, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the City Gas Distribution (CGD) project being implemented by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL).
The ₹1,950 crore project will cover the Bankura and Purulia districts, aiming to provide Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to households and industrial units, and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transportation.
This initiative is expected to reduce the region’s dependence on conventional fuels, promote cleaner energy alternatives, and open new avenues for job creation in both urban and rural areas.
The CGD network will contribute to the government’s larger goal of achieving a gas-based economy by improving energy access and affordability.
Inauguration of Durgapur-Kolkata Gas Pipeline
The Prime Minister will also dedicate the 132-kilometre Durgapur to Kolkata section of the Durgapur-Haldia Natural Gas Pipeline to the nation. Developed under the ambitious Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga (PMUG) project, this pipeline has been constructed at a cost of over ₹1,190 crore.
Traversing key districts including Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly, and Nadia, the pipeline will enable the uninterrupted supply of natural gas to households, commercial setups, and industries.
The project not only generated employment during its construction phase but is also expected to foster industrial growth and improve the energy mix in West Bengal.
Cleaner Power for a Greener Future
To combat air pollution and support cleaner energy production, PM Modi will dedicate retrofitted Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) systems at two major thermal power plants: Durgapur Steel Thermal Power Station and Raghunathpur Thermal Power Station of the Damodar Valley Corporation.
These pollution control installations, built at a cost exceeding ₹1,450 crore, are designed to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions and improve air quality in the surrounding areas.
The move is in line with the government’s broader push for cleaner technologies in conventional power generation and will significantly contribute to public health and environmental sustainability.
Boost to Rail Connectivity in the Industrial Belt
The railway sector in West Bengal will also witness a major uplift with the Prime Minister dedicating the doubling of the Purulia–Kotshila rail line.
The 36-kilometre stretch, developed at a cost of ₹390 crore, is a critical segment connecting Purulia with major industrial hubs such as Jamshedpur, Bokaro, and Dhanbad.
This enhanced rail infrastructure is expected to ease the movement of goods and improve logistical efficiency between the mineral-rich regions of Jharkhand and the ports and cities of West Bengal. The improved connectivity will not only reduce travel time but also promote trade and investment in the region.
Safer Roads Under Setu Bharatam Programme
Further improving road infrastructure, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate two key Road Over Bridges (ROBs) constructed under the Setu Bharatam initiative.
The ROBs, located at Topsi and Pandabeshwar in the Paschim Bardhaman district, have been built at a combined cost of over ₹380 crore.
These bridges will eliminate level crossings on busy railway routes, thereby reducing accidents and easing traffic congestion.
The infrastructure will also facilitate uninterrupted transportation for both daily commuters and industrial logistics, ensuring enhanced safety and travel efficiency.
Focus on Eastern India’s Growth
The projects being launched and inaugurated during the Prime Minister’s visit reflect a comprehensive approach toward development in eastern India.
By investing in energy, connectivity, and industrial logistics, the central government aims to turn West Bengal into a key player in India’s economic expansion, particularly in the energy and manufacturing sectors.
Officials noted that these initiatives would not only improve the quality of life for residents but also boost economic activity and employment opportunities across the state.
As the government continues to push for holistic development, the West Bengal leg of the Prime Minister’s itinerary sends a strong signal of commitment to infrastructure-led growth.
