Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Bihar and West Bengal today to kickstart a wave of development projects worth over Rs 18,200 crore. The focus will be on enhancing infrastructure, railways, power, and urban development, marking another step in the government’s push for regional growth and connectivity.
Kicking off his tour in Gaya, Bihar, PM Modi will inaugurate projects totaling around Rs 13,000 crore. Among the highlights are two new trains: the Amrit Bharat Express linking Gaya to Delhi, and the Buddhist Circuit Train connecting Vaishali and Koderma. These initiatives aim to improve railway connectivity, streamline travel, and boost religious tourism in the region.
Housing remains a key priority. Modi will hand over keys to beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) in both rural and urban areas. This move reinforces the government’s commitment to providing affordable housing solutions across the country.
One of the most anticipated projects is the six-lane Aunta-Simaria bridge over the Ganga in Begusarai. Costing Rs 1,870 crore, the 1.86 km-long structure runs parallel to the old Rajendra Setu and will drastically reduce detours for heavy vehicles by over 100 km. Improved connectivity between Mokama and Begusarai is expected to bolster trade and transportation efficiency.
Later in the day, PM Modi will shift focus to Kolkata. There, he will inaugurate new metro services, including a ride from Jessore Road Metro Station to Jai Hind Biman Bandar. He will also unveil a subway at Howrah Metro Station to ease pedestrian movement, addressing congestion in one of the city’s busiest transit hubs.
Adding to Kolkata’s infrastructure upgrades, Modi will lay the foundation for the six-lane elevated Kona Expressway in Howrah. With an investment of Rs 1,200 crore, this project is set to enhance connectivity between Howrah, Kolkata, and nearby rural areas, easing traffic and supporting economic activity.
The Prime Minister’s visit underscores the government’s emphasis on infrastructure as a catalyst for growth. From bridges to metro lines, these projects are designed to transform connectivity and quality of life in Bihar and West Bengal. Locals and businesses alike are eagerly awaiting the long-term benefits these initiatives promise to deliver.