Saralnama
On August 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate three new Kolkata Metro routes totaling 13.62 kilometers, enhancing connectivity between key points including Howrah, Sealdah, the IT hub Sector 5, and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. He will also lay the foundation stone for a 7.2-kilometer, six-lane elevated Kona Expressway project costing over Rs 1,200 crore, aimed at improving road connectivity between Howrah, surrounding rural areas, and Kolkata, which is expected to reduce travel time and boost business and tourism. Modi will undertake a metro ride from Jessore Road to Jai Hind Bimanbandar station. The metro expansions will benefit hundreds of thousands of daily commuters by providing faster and more convenient travel options. The projects are part of a Rs 5,200 crore development package for West Bengal. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is reported to not attend the event. Additionally, Union Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has invited her and noted ongoing rail projects in the state worth over Rs 83,765 crore, including station redevelopments and existing train services. Modi’s visit follows previous inaugurations and statements on development and security issues in West Bengal earlier this year. (Updated 22 Aug 2025, 05:22 IST; source: link)