Durgapur (West Bengal) [India], July 18 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation development projects worth over Rs 5,400 crore in Durgapur, West Bengal.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister remarked that Durgapur, known as a Steel City, is also a major hub of India's labour force. He acknowledged the significant contribution to India's development and stated that today presents an opportunity to further strengthen that role.

Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the projects launched today will enhance connectivity in the region and boost gas-based transport and the gas-based economy and reinforce Durgapur's identity as a Steel City.

The Prime Minister added that these projects align with the vision of 'Make in India, Make for the World,' and will help propel West Bengal forward. He affirmed that numerous new employment opportunities will be created for the youth of the region. He extended heartfelt congratulations to all for these development projects.

Prime Minister Modi stated that the global discourse today revolves around India's resolve to become a developed nation. He attributed this to the transformative changes underway in India, which are laying the foundation for a developed Bharat.

Emphasising that a major aspect of these changes is infrastructure including social, physical, and digital, PM Modi highlighted key achievements: over 4 crore pucca houses for the poor, crores of toilets, more than 12 crore tap water connections, thousands of kilometers of new roads and highways, new railway lines, airports in small towns, and widespread internet access reaching every village and household. He affirmed that this modern infrastructure is benefiting every state, including West Bengal.

The Prime Minister also noted unprecedented progress in train connectivity in West Bengal, stating that Bengal is among the leading states operating a large number of Vande Bharat trains. He highlighted the rapid expansion of the Kolkata Metro and ongoing work on new rail lines, track doubling, and electrification.

Prime Minister Modi further mentioned that numerous railway stations are being modernized and a large number of rail overbridges are being constructed.

He announced that two more railway overbridges have been inaugurated in West Bengal today, adding that all these efforts will significantly ease the lives of the people of Bengal.

Highlighting that the region's airport has been integrated with the UDAN scheme, the Prime Minister pointed out that over 5 lakh passengers have traveled through this facility in the past year alone.

He emphasized that such infrastructure not only enhances convenience but also generates employment for thousands of youth. He noted that even the production of raw materials used in these projects is creating substantial job opportunities.

Underlining that in the past 10-11 years, India has made unprecedented progress in gas connectivity, the Prime Minister stated that LPG has reached households across the country during this decade, earning global recognition.

He emphasized the government's work on the 'One Nation, One Gas Grid' vision and the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga Yojana. Under this initiative, gas pipelines are being laid across six eastern states, including West Bengal.

Noting that the goal is to deliver affordable piped gas to industries and kitchens in these states, the Prime Minister remarked that gas availability will enable vehicles to run on CNG and industries to adopt gas-based technologies. He expressed satisfaction that Durgapur's industrial region has now become part of the National Gas Grid.

Prime Minister Modi stated that this project will benefit industries in the area and deliver affordable piped gas to nearly 30 lakh households in West Bengal. He affirmed that this will ease the lives of millions of families, especially mothers and sisters, and generate employment for thousands.

The Prime Minister announced that major steel and power plants in Durgapur and Raghunathpur have been upgraded with new technology, stating that an investment of approximately Rs 1,500 crore has been made in these facilities.

He emphasized that these plants are now more efficient and capable of competing globally. He extended special congratulations to the people of Bengal on the successful completion of these projects.

PM Modi stated that whether in India's factories or its fields, every effort is being driven by a single resolve--to make India a developed nation by 2047. He outlined the government's path forward: empowerment through development, self-reliance through employment, and good governance through responsiveness.

The Prime Minister concluded by affirming that by upholding these values, West Bengal will be made a strong engine of India's development journey.

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose, Union Ministers Hardeep Singh Puri, Shantanu Thakur, Sukanta Majumdar were present among other dignitaries at the event.

Prime Minister laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects catering to Oil and Gas, Power, Road and Rail sectors. (ANI)