Ranaghat (West Bengal): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit West Bengal on December 20 to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for two major National Highway projects worth around ₹3,200 crore. The programme will take place at Ranaghat in Nadia district, where the Prime Minister will also address a public gathering at around 11:15 AM.

As part of the visit, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the 66.7-km-long four-laning of the Barajaguli–Krishnanagar section of National Highway-34 in Nadia district. In addition, he will lay the foundation stone for the four-laning of the 17.6-km Barasat–Barajaguli section of NH-34 in North 24 Parganas district.

The two highway projects are expected to play a crucial role in improving road connectivity between Kolkata and Siliguri, a key transport corridor in eastern India. Once completed, the upgraded stretches are projected to reduce travel time by nearly two hours, ensuring smoother and faster movement of vehicles.

Officials said the projects will help achieve unhindered traffic flow, lower vehicle operating costs, and enhanced connectivity between Kolkata and neighbouring districts of West Bengal, as well as with neighbouring countries. The improved infrastructure is also expected to boost regional economic growth and provide a significant push to tourism development across the region.

The projects form part of the Centre’s broader push to strengthen national highway infrastructure and improve logistics efficiency in the eastern states.