Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the approval of a crucial railway line project connecting Kharagpur in the state with Bhadrak in neighbouring Odisha.
“I convey my sincere gratitude to the Union Cabinet chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji for approving the crucial Kharagpur–Bhadrak (Ranital) 4th Railway Line project,” the Chief Minister said in a statement on his social media handle X.
According to the Chief Minister, the said railway line spanning 173 kilometres covering West Bengal and Odisha is a major multi-tracking initiative that will significantly transform regional rail connectivity and strengthen the vital Eastern Coastal Corridor.
According to him, this initiative would decongest critical corridors and enhance track capacity along the busy Kharagpur route, ensuring smoother, faster, and more punctual passenger train operations.
“It will also prove to be a major boost to freight logistics, with the expansion of capacity for transporting essential commodities including steel, coal, iron ore, cement, automobiles, containers and food grains,” the Chief Minister added.
According to him, following the development of the crucial railway line, local industries, MSMEs and Ports will benefit and get empowered due to this reliable and efficient supply chain connectivity between West Bengal and neighbouring eastern states and would act as a catalyst for Industrial growth.
“Last but not the least, it would help in reducing highway freight congestion. Infrastructure development is fundamental to progress. We welcome this step toward strengthening Railway infrastructure and look forward to its speedy and seamless execution for the benefit of the people of West Bengal,” the Chief Minister said.
The state leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has claimed that the clearance of the railway line project was yet another example of positive results that the new “double-engine government” in the state is yielding.
“The previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress regime wasted all its efforts in quarrelling with the Union Government. But our new government is in constant cooperation mode with the Centre for ensuring overall development in the state,” said a state committee member of the BJP.
(IANS)
