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The Hindu
3 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
West Bengal's role is critical to vision of a developed India, says PM
Inaugurating the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network in Alipurduar, West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday (May 29, 2025) that 'the State is essential to the vision of a Viksit Bharat.' 'Bengal's participation is both expected and essential in India's progress to developed status. Bengal's development is a foundational pillar of India's future,' Mr. Modi said while inaugurating the ₹1,010 crore project. The project will benefit about 2.5 lakh households in the State, he added. Mr. Modi pointed out that in 2014 city gas services were available only in 66 districts. Today, the City Gas Distribution network has expanded to over 550 districts across the country. The Prime Minister said that the country has made remarkable advances in the energy sector and is making a rapid transition towards a gas-based economy. 'This is not just a pipeline project. It is also an example of the government's doorstep delivery of schemes. Through this initiative, we will supply clean and more affordable energy to households via a pipeline,' the Prime Minister said. Transition to gas Mr. Modi said the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has accelerated India's transition towards a gas-based economy. The Prime Minister said that in 2014, the country had fewer than 14 crore LPG connections. The number of connections has now surpassed 31 crore. Mr. Modi also added that before 2014, India had fewer than 14,000 LPG distributors, which has increased to over 25,000 at present. The expansion has made clean cooking fuel accessible to households across the nation, Mr. Modi said. Observing that West Bengal has been a major center of India's culture, knowledge, and scientific advancements, Mr. Modi asserted that the vision of a developed India cannot be realised without Bengal's growth. The Prime Minister said that over the past decade the Union Government had invested thousands of crores in infrastructure and developmental projects. He emphasised projects such as the Purva Expressway, the Durgapur Expressway, modernisation of the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port, expansion of the Kolkata Metro, and transformation of the New Jalpaiguri Station. He hoped West Bengal would continue its journey towards development and regain its old glory.
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
PM Modi lays foundation stone for ₹1,010 cr City Gas Project in Bengal
The project will provide piped gas to over 250,000 homes and boost clean energy access in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar of West Bengal New Delhi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday laid the foundation stone for a new City Gas Distribution (CGD) project in West Bengal's Alipurduar, a significant step towards expanding the CGD network in India. Speaking at the gathering, he extended his warm wishes to the people of West Bengal from the historic town of Alipurduar. The PM spoke of Alipurduar's deep cultural roots, stating that the region is more than just its geographical borders. He said it is enriched by traditions and meaningful connections. Alipurduar shares a border with Bhutan and is surrounded by Assam, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar. He expressed his gratitude for visiting the region, calling it an essential part of Bengal's heritage and unity. 'As India moves towards becoming a developed nation, Bengal's participation is both expected and essential,' said PM Modi, underlining the central government's efforts to improve infrastructure, attract investment, and encourage innovation in the state. He described the launch of the CGD project in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar as an important milestone in this journey. PM Modi announced that over 250,000 households would benefit from clean, safe, and affordable piped gas. 'City Gas Distribution Project is not merely a pipeline initiative but a testament to the government's commitment to doorstep delivery of essential services,' he emphasised. This new initiative will reduce the need for households to buy liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, making gas supply more secure and hassle-free. The project also includes the expansion of compressed natural gas (CNG) stations, making green fuel more accessible. PM Modi said this would save time and money while helping the environment. He congratulated the people of Alipurduar and Cooch Behar on this important step forward. PM Modi highlighted the country's progress in moving towards a gas-based economy. In 2014, city gas services were limited to only 66 districts. Today, the network has grown to over 550 districts, including rural areas and small towns. Impact of the Ujjwala Yojana Prime Minister Modi mentioned the role of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, launched in 2016, in promoting clean fuel usage. He said the scheme has brought relief to poor women from smoke-filled kitchens, improved their health, and provided dignity in household cooking. In 2014, India had fewer than 140 million LPG connections. That number has now gone beyond 310 million, helping realise the goal of universal gas access. He added that LPG distributors have more than doubled—from under 14,000 to over 25,000—making gas cylinders widely available even in rural areas. Urja Ganga: A game-changer Modi called the Urja Ganga Project a revolutionary step towards building a gas-based economy. This project has expanded gas pipeline connectivity to eastern India, improving access in West Bengal and neighbouring regions. He noted that these developments have also created job opportunities, from pipeline construction to gas supply. 'India is now progressing towards a future where energy is affordable, clean, and universally accessible,' he said. Boosting infrastructure in West Bengal The Prime Minister said West Bengal has long been a centre of culture, knowledge, and science. He stressed that India's development is incomplete without the progress of Bengal. He listed key infrastructure efforts by the central government, such as the Purva Expressway, Durgapur Expressway, modernisation of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port, expansion of the Kolkata Metro, upgrades to New Jalpaiguri Station, and new train services on the Dooars route. 'The newly launched project is not merely a pipeline, but a lifeline of progress,' said Modi. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to making life easier for people and ensuring a brighter future for Bengal. He ended his speech by wishing continued development for the state and success for its people. The event was attended by Union Minister Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari, and Alipurduar MP Manoj Tigga, among other dignitaries. The CGD project, with an investment of over ₹1,010 crore, aims to supply Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to more than 250,000 homes, and over 100 commercial and industrial units. It will also include 19 CNG stations for vehicles, as part of the government's Minimum Work Programme (MWP) targets. This project is set to provide reliable, environment-friendly, and affordable energy while creating jobs in the region.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Mamata hits back: ‘PM using Operation Sindoor as poll plank to gain political mileage'
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his remarks at a public meeting in Alipurduar, claiming that he is looking to gain 'political mileage' out of Operation Sindoor and 'using it as an election campaign plank' in the state. Earlier in the day, during his visit, the PM laid the foundation stone for an Rs 1,010-crore City Gas Distribution (CGD) project in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts and also addressed a public rally. Addressing a press conference, Banerjee highlighted that the terrorists who carried out the Pahalgam attack and killed 25 tourists are yet to be nabbed, 'Why are the terrorists who killed tourists in Pahalgam yet to be caught? When America says something, in one second you are silent (referring to US President Donald Trump's claim that he mediated for a ceasefire between India and Pakistan recently). We know everything. Just for publicity or to promote someone's image, one should not say ill about others,' the CM said. Pointing out that this is not the time for an 'election campaign' she claimed, 'They (Centre) gave the name Operation Sindoor to get political mileage. Now, the representatives of all political parties, even the Opposition, are busy highlighting India's stand to foreign countries. We are standing for national interest. Is this the time for the Prime Minister to take political mileage? This is not the time for an election campaign. We are shocked and saddened.' 'He (Modi) is here to sell Sindoor. This is an insult to women. In front of him, BJP leaders (an apparent reference to Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari's remarks at the Alipurduar public meeting) are saying that on the lines of Operation Sindoor, there will be operation Bengal. We are ready for polls (Assembly polls are scheduled to be held next year). I challenge them, if they have the guts go to the polls tomorrow, we are ready. Bengal is ready,' Mamata Banerjee claimed. 'A barrage of lies (Modi's allegations during his speech) by him. He is trying to sell Sindoor. Remember Sindoor is the respect of nuggets and sisters of this country and Bengal. Do not insult them. This is so unbecoming of Modiji,' the CM alleged. She also emphasised the Trinamool Congress's full support following the Pahalgam terror attack and the nation's response to Pakistan, also highlighting that party MP Abhishek Banerjee is part of the national delegation overseas. As part of its efforts to rally global support for India's fight against terror emanating from Pakistan and moving to isolate Islamabad internationally, the government recently announced seven multi-party delegations, who would visit different countries to convey India's message post the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Addressing her absence from a recent Niti Aayog meeting chaired by PM Modi, Banerjee claimed, 'Last time when I was there, after four minutes I was not allowed to speak. Other CMs got 10 minutes. If I am not allowed to speak, why would I go there? To have lunch?' The chief minister also challenged PM Modi to a public debate on television to address the issues such as 'corruption.' 'I challenge you. If you can sit for a debate on TV, I am ready to reply to you,' Banerjee said, also claiming, 'If there is corruption here (in Bengal), the state government takes action.' 'The job loss of teachers in Bengal.. The issue was highlighted because BJP and others went to court. We are a humane government. We are trying to provide relief to the teachers while adhering to court directives,' she said. Banerjee also highlighted that the state's dues from the Centre amount to Rs 1, 75,000 crore. Ravik Bhattacharya is the Chief of Bureau of The Indian Express, Kolkata. Over 20 years of experience in the media industry and covered politics, crime, major incidents and issues, apart from investigative stories in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam and Andaman Nicobar islands. Ravik won the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award in 2007 for political reporting. Ravik holds a bachelor degree with English Hons from Scottish Church College under Calcutta University and a PG diploma in mass communication from Jadavpur University. Ravik started his career with The Asian Age and then moved to The Statesman, The Telegraph and Hindustan Times. ... Read More
The Print
3 days ago
- Business
- The Print
Bengal guv hails PM Modi's visit, calls it a ‘great day for Bengal to celebrate'
Kolkata, May 29 (PTI) West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Thursday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the state — to lay the foundation stone of a Rs 1,010-crore City Gas Distribution (CGD) project in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts — as a 'great day for Bengal to celebrate.' Speaking to PTI, the Governor lauded the Prime Minister's 'relentless efforts for an overall development of the nation, particularly Bengal.' 'As far as development is concerned, the PM has been working tirelessly for the progress of the entire country, with a special focus on Bengal,' he said. Bose also noted the symbolic significance of the PM's visit coming in the backdrop of the success of 'Operation Sindoor', recently undertaken by Indian armed forces. PTI SCH MNB
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Bengal guv hails PM Modi's visit, calls it a 'great day for Bengal to celebrate'
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Thursday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the state - to lay the foundation stone of a Rs 1,010-crore City Gas Distribution (CGD) project in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts - as a "great day for Bengal to celebrate." Speaking to PTI, the Governor lauded the Prime Minister's "relentless efforts for an overall development of the nation, particularly Bengal." "As far as development is concerned, the PM has been working tirelessly for the progress of the entire country, with a special focus on Bengal," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Moose Approaches Girl At Bus Stop In Negros Oriental - Watch What Happens Happy in Shape Undo Bose also noted the symbolic significance of the PM's visit coming in the backdrop of the success of 'Operation Sindoor', recently undertaken by Indian armed forces.
