Major development push
PM Modi Launches ₹5200 Crore Development Projects in Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple projects worth ₹5200 crore in Kolkata on 22 August 2025. The projects are focused on urban connectivity, transport efficiency, and regional trade support.
Metro network expansion
The inauguration included three new metro sections. The Noapara–Jai Hind Bimanbandar line directly links commuters to Kolkata Airport. The Sealdah–Esplanade section cut travel time from 40 minutes to just 11 minutes. The Beleghata–Hemanta Mukhopadhyay stretch improves access to the city’s IT hub.
Together, about 14 km of metro lines and 7 new stations were added to Kolkata Metro, benefitting lakhs of passengers daily.
Static GK fact: Kolkata Metro, inaugurated in 1984, is the first metro system in India.
Howrah metro subway
A newly built subway at Howrah Metro Station was also opened. It enables faster interchange between Eastern Railway and South Eastern Railway, reducing long detours for commuters. This addition will smoothen multi-modal connectivity, making Howrah a stronger transport hub.
Kona Expressway
The PM laid the foundation stone for the 7.2 km six-lane elevated Kona Expressway, a project worth ₹1200 crore. The expressway will connect Howrah with surrounding rural areas and Kolkata, saving travel hours and boosting commerce and tourism.
The expressway is expected to improve port connectivity, strengthening the region’s logistics chain.
Static GK Tip: National Highway 16 (NH-16), part of the Golden Quadrilateral, also connects Kolkata to Chennai via Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
Significance for West Bengal
The new projects align with the government’s vision of Ease of Living and Ease of Travel. Faster transport will help trade, tourism, and employment generation in the region.
Kolkata’s heritage as a gateway to eastern India is further strengthened with modern infrastructure. These investments are expected to make the city a model for integrated transport planning in the country.
Static GK fact: Kolkata Port, also known as Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, is the oldest operating port in India, established in 1870.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
PM Modi Launches ₹5200 Crore Development Projects in Kolkata:
| Topic | Detail |
| Event | PM Modi inaugurated ₹5200 crore projects in Kolkata |
| Date | 22 August 2025 |
| Metro expansions | Noapara–Jai Hind Bimanbandar, Sealdah–Esplanade, Beleghata–Hemanta Mukhopadhyay |
| New metro addition | 14 km lines, 7 new stations |
| Subway project | Howrah Metro Subway |
| Expressway project | 7.2 km six-lane Kona Expressway worth ₹1200 crore |
| Key connectivity | Links Howrah, rural areas, Kolkata, and ports |
| Vision | Ease of Living and Ease of Travel |
| Static GK fact | Kolkata Metro is India’s first metro (1984) |
| Static GK fact | Kolkata Port is the oldest operating port in India (1870) |
