Saralnama
On August 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate three new Kolkata Metro routes totaling 13.62 kilometers, including the Noapara-Jai Hind Bimanbandar link that connects the city to the airport, the Sealdah-Esplanade stretch reducing travel time from 40 to 11 minutes, and the Beleghata-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay section enhancing access to the IT hub. Modi will also lay the foundation stone for a 7.2-kilometer, six-lane elevated Kona Expressway costing over Rs 1,200 crore, aimed at improving connectivity between Howrah, nearby rural areas, and Kolkata, boosting business and tourism. The projects represent a combined investment of Rs 5,200 crore. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is reported to have declined to attend the inauguration. Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has invited her and noted ongoing rail projects in the state worth over Rs 83,765 crore, including redevelopment of 101 stations and operation of multiple new trains. Modi’s visit follows previous inaugurations of infrastructure projects in West Bengal and includes a metro ride from Jessore Road to Jai Hind Bimanbandar stations. (Updated 22 Aug 2025, 05:12 IST; source: link)