PM Modi: Prime Minister Modi’s Strategic Eastern India Visit Boosts Infrastructure and Regional Connectivity
PM Modi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit West Bengal on December 20, marking an important moment for the state as it prepares for assembly elections early next year. The visit carries political as well as developmental significance, as several large-scale infrastructure projects are set to be inaugurated and launched. During the visit, the Prime Minister will interact with local stakeholders and address a public gathering, highlighting the central government’s focus on infrastructure-led growth and regional development in eastern India.
Political and Developmental Context in West Bengal
The visit comes at a time when political discourse in West Bengal has intensified, with the ruling state government led by Mamata Banerjee and the Bharatiya Janata Party engaged in sharp exchanges over governance-related issues. Against this backdrop, Narendra Modi’s presence in the state is being viewed as a strategic move that blends governance priorities with electoral outreach. By focusing on infrastructure delivery, the central government aims to reinforce its development narrative ahead of the upcoming polls.
Major Highway Projects in Nadia and North 24 Parganas
One of the key highlights of the visit is the inauguration and foundation laying of major national highway projects in the Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts. At Ranaghat in Nadia district, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the 66.7-kilometer four-lane Barajaguli–Krishnanagar stretch of National Highway 34. This newly developed corridor is expected to significantly improve road quality and traffic flow in the region.
In addition, the foundation stone will be laid for the 17.6-kilometer four-laning of the Barasat–Barajaguli section of the same highway in the North 24 Parganas district. Together, these projects represent an investment of approximately Rs 3,200 crore, underlining the scale of infrastructure development being undertaken in the state.
Improved Connectivity Between Kolkata and Northern Bengal
The upgraded highway sections are designed to strengthen connectivity between Kolkata and Siliguri, a vital economic and logistical corridor in eastern India. Once fully operational, these roads are expected to reduce travel time by nearly two hours, offering smoother and faster movement for commercial and private vehicles. Reduced congestion and lower vehicle operating costs are also anticipated benefits, which could have a positive impact on trade, tourism, and daily commuting.
Enhanced connectivity is particularly important for districts in northern West Bengal, as it improves access to markets, healthcare, and educational institutions. The projects are also expected to support regional economic integration by linking urban centers with semi-urban and rural areas more efficiently.
Transition to Assam for High-Value Infrastructure Initiatives
Following the West Bengal engagements, the Prime Minister will proceed to Assam, continuing his focus on infrastructure expansion in the northeastern region. In Assam, projects worth approximately Rs 15,600 crore are slated for inauguration and foundation laying, reflecting the government’s emphasis on balanced regional development.
New Guwahati Airport Terminal and Industrial Expansion
A major highlight of the Assam visit is the inauguration of the new terminal building at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati. Spread across around 1.4 lakh square metres, the modern terminal has been designed to handle up to 13 million passengers annually. Its architectural theme, inspired by bamboo groves, reflects Assam’s biodiversity and cultural heritage while offering world-class passenger facilities.
In addition to aviation infrastructure, the Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for the Ammonia-Urea Fertilizer Project at Namrup in Dibrugarh district. This project, to be developed by Assam Valley Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited, involves an estimated investment of Rs 10,600 crore. The initiative is expected to strengthen fertilizer production capacity, support farmers, and create employment opportunities in the region.
Broader Impact of the Eastern India Outreach
Taken together, the West Bengal and Assam visits underline a broader strategy focused on connectivity, industrial growth, and regional inclusion. By prioritizing highways, airports, and manufacturing projects, the government aims to stimulate economic activity while addressing long-standing infrastructure gaps. These initiatives are likely to play a key role in shaping public perception ahead of upcoming elections, while also contributing to long-term development goals in eastern and northeastern India.