20 , Aug : West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for approving the Kharagpur-Bhadrak fourth railway line project connecting West Bengal with neighbouring Odisha.
CM Adhikari expressed his gratitude to the Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Modi, for approving the 173-km project, which will strengthen rail connectivity across the two states and support the Eastern Coastal Corridor.
The Chief Minister said the multi-tracking project will help decongest key railway routes and increase track capacity along the busy Kharagpur corridor. He further added that improved infrastructure would enable smoother, faster and more punctual passenger services.
The project will boost freight movement by increasing capacity to transport steel, coal, iron ore, cement, automobiles, containers and food grains.
CM Adhikari said better rail connectivity would benefit local industries, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and ports by creating a more reliable supply chain between West Bengal and other eastern states. He described the project as a potential catalyst for industrial growth and regional economic development.
The Chief Minister said the new railway infrastructure could help reduce congestion caused by freight movement on highways. He welcomed the approval and called for its speedy implementation for the benefit of people in the region.
The West Bengal BJP welcomed the project, describing its approval as evidence of closer cooperation between the state government and the Centre.
A BJP state committee member said the previous Trinamool Congress government had focused on disputes with the Centre, while the current government was working in coordination with New Delhi to promote development across West Bengal.
The railway project is expected to improve passenger and freight connectivity while supporting industrial activity and strengthening transport infrastructure across the eastern region.
