West Bengal development funding: Modi says INR 40,000 crore released and rail support expanded

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the central government will support West Bengal and has released about INR 40,000 crore to restart development works, including the Jal Jeevan Mission and infrastructure. He also cited railway allocations and urged the state government to set short-, medium-, and long-term goals, highlighting fisheries, manufacturing, tourism, and the digital economy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Centre will back West Bengal "in all ways possible\". Modi said nearly Rs 40,000 crore has been released to speed up projects that were earlier held up. Modi linked the funds to work under the Jal Jeevan Mission and key infrastructure. The comments were made in a letter for Paschimbanga Divas, also called West Bengal Day.

Modi addressed the letter to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and asked the new BJP government to plan in stages. Modi wrote that the state should set short, medium and long-term development goals. The Prime Minister also took part in a Paschimbanga Divas programme at Tarakeswar in Hooghly during the day.

West Bengal development funds and targets

Modi said rail projects were another priority area for West Bengal’s growth. Modi wrote that almost Rs 15,000 crore has been set aside for railway development. Modi added that Rs 60,000 crore is still in the pipeline. Modi said the released money aims to restart works that did not move earlier.

\"I urge the West Bengal Government to think about setting short, medium and long-term targets as well, such as what will be achieved in the next few years, next decade and so on,\" the Prime Minister said. \"This way, we will get a realistic assessment of the ground covered and at the same time, it will strengthen the collective efforts of 140 crore Indians to build a Viksit Bharat by 2047,\" Modi said.

Modi wrote that West Bengal’s location can help expand trade and connectivity. Modi said the state can grow into a key hub for fisheries and manufacturing. Modi also listed food processing, port-led development, textiles, tourism and the digital economy. Modi said such sectors could help the state regain economic strength over time.

Paschimbanga Divas message and West Bengal history

Modi greeted residents on Paschimbanga Divas and wrote, \"This is a day to laud the spirit of the people of West Bengal and their enduring role in Indias collective journey.\" Modi added, \"Today, on Paschimbanga Divas, we are commemorating an important day in history and at the same time we are celebrating a culture whose contributions have shaped the intellectual, cultural, political and spiritual foundations of India,\" he said.

Modi also highlighted Bengal’s role in modern Indian history and public life. \"One will see the overarching influence of West Bengal and the great people who have been nourished by this soil.\" Modi said Bengal offered new ideas, a renaissance of thought, and artistic refinement. Modi also cited literary excellence and social awakening from the region.

Modi referred to the song Vande Mataram and its origins during colonial rule. \"When the people of India were suffering from colonial rule, it was from Bengal that Vande Mataram emerged, giving a powerful message and encapsulating the feeling of every Indian,\" Modi said. Modi said India is marking 150 years of Vande Mataram this year.

Modi wrote about a recent overseas moment connected to the song. \"I just returned from Slovakia, where Slovak singers sang this song beautifully. It highlights the global popularity of Vande Mataram!\" Modi stated in the letter. Modi used the example to show the song’s reach beyond India.

West Bengal elections, governance and welfare steps

Modi said the Paschimbanga Divas decision reflects Partition-era sacrifices and democratic processes. Modi wrote that Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee should be remembered with respect. Modi said Mookerjee expressed the hopes of those wanting to stay part of India. Modi called the commemoration a tribute to constitutional processes.

Modi said the April-May electoral mandate in West Bengal will be remembered for a long time. Modi said the election saw record turnout and high participation by women and youth. \"In an election that witnessed a record turnout as well as massive women and youth participation, the people of West Bengal gave their blessings to our party,\" Modi said.

Modi wrote that voters expected \"politics of hope, good governance and development\". Modi said people wanted West Bengal to regain earlier glory that was lost. Modi blamed \"outdated ideologies\" for the decline. Modi also noted the state was ruled by the CPIM-led Left Front from 1977 for 34 years.

Modi said Trinamool Congress ruled for 15 years after the Left period ended. Modi added that the BJP formed its first government in May this year. Modi linked the mandate to the 125th birth anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee. Modi wrote that the West Bengal government worked with \"remarkable speed and compassion\".

Modi congratulated Suvendu Adhikari and the state team for recent decisions. \"It was gladdening to see West Bengal embrace Ayushman Bharat, a decision that will benefit crores of families.\" Modi also said land availability was being fast tracked for border fencing and security. Modi described this step as equally noteworthy.

Modi said people noticed welfare measures taken by the West Bengal government. Modi listed free bus travel for women, the rollout of the Annapurna Yojana, and expansion of the Maa Ahar scheme. Modi also referred to problems faced by state government employees for years and praised recent moves.

\"Now, your efforts to bring the 7th Pay Commission also merit praise.\" Modi said the government’s work on issues linked to the Gorkha community could help stability. Modi wrote that it will \"herald an era of peace and progress, especially in northern Bengal.\" Modi tied these steps to the wider development agenda.

With inputs from PTI