Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate three new routes of the Kolkata Metro on August 22. In a move that has drawn significant attention, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has invited West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to the event, providing her with a comprehensive overview of ongoing railway projects and financial investments in the state.
The visit marks another major engagement for the Prime Minister in West Bengal, following his visit to Durgapur in July, where he launched projects valued at over $8,3765 crore. The simultaneous commissioning of these metro lines is set to dramatically improve urban transport connectivity within Kolkata.
New Routes to Boost Connectivity
The new services include the final stretch of the East-West Metro’s Green Line, which will now link Sealdah to Esplanade, completing a crucial connection. The Orange Line is set to extend its service with four new stations, running from Hemanta Mukhopadhyay (Ruby Crossing) to Beleghata. Additionally, the Yellow Line will introduce four new stations connecting Noapara to Jai Hind (Biman Bandar), establishing a direct metro link to the airport. A new subway at Howrah metro station will also be inaugurated by the Prime Minister.
Centre Details Financial Commitment
In his formal invitation, Railways Minister Vaishnaw reiterated the central government’s commitment to enhancing rail infrastructure in West Bengal. He highlighted that railway projects worth a total of $83,765 crore are currently underway in the state, with a record allocation of $13,955 crore in the current budget. He also noted that 101 stations are undergoing redevelopment, and the state’s railway network is already served by nine Vande Bharat and two Amrit Bharat express trains.
Contrasting Political Reactions
The invitation has led to opposing views from rival political parties. Trinamool Congress (TMC) spokesperson Arup Chakraborty criticized the Centre, alleging a “stepmotherly attitude” that has left numerous metro projects stalled due to a lack of budgetary allocations. He also pointed out issues with the punctuality of local trains, suggesting the invitation was extended now due to the upcoming 2026 state elections.
In contrast, BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar attributed project delays to land acquisition issues within the state. “In Bengal, nearly 43 projects are stalled due to land-related issues,” he stated, adding that the BJP’s decision to invite the Chief Minister reflects a belief in federal cooperation, a principle he believes the TMC lacks.
Preparations and Expected Absence
The Commissioner of Railway Safety, Sumeet Singhal, recently completed a thorough inspection of the Yellow Line’s Dum Dum Cantonment to Jai Hind Bimanbandar section. The review, which included checks on tracks, trains, and emergency systems, concluded with satisfaction, and the section is awaiting formal sanction for passenger service.
Despite the official invitation, sources close to the Chief Minister indicate that Mamata Banerjee is likely to skip the event.
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