Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit West Bengal on Sunday, December 21, 2025, to launch a series of highway development projects worth Rs. 3,200 crore aimed at improving road connectivity and boosting regional trade. The projects are part of the National Highways Development Programme and will cover key routes connecting Kolkata, Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, and the North Bengal region.
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the projects include four-laning of the Barasat-Bongaon section of NH-112 and upgrading the Siliguri-Jalpaiguri stretch of NH-31D. These developments are expected to reduce travel time by 30%, improve logistics efficiency, and strengthen links with neighboring states and Bangladesh.
During his visit, PM Modi will also address a public rally in Siliguri, where he is expected to outline the Centre’s commitment to improving infrastructure in eastern India. The event will be attended by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, and other senior officials.
Officials said the new highways will support tourism, tea industry logistics, and agricultural transport, particularly benefiting small traders and farmers in north Bengal. The projects will also generate over 10,000 jobs during the construction phase and help expand rural infrastructure in nearby districts such as Darjeeling, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar.
This visit comes ahead of the 2026 Bengal Assembly elections, making it politically significant. The Prime Minister’s focus on connectivity aligns with the government’s broader goal of building world-class highways across the East and Northeast under the PM Gati Shakti initiative.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
1. What is the total value of the new highway projects?
The new highway projects in West Bengal are worth Rs. 3,200 crore and aim to improve connectivity across Kolkata, Siliguri, and other key northern districts.
2. Which areas will benefit the most from these projects?
Regions like Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, and Bongaon are expected to benefit from better connectivity, improved trade routes, and reduced travel times for goods movement.
3. How will these projects help the economy?
The new highways will ease transportation, reduce logistics costs, create around 10,000 jobs, and help in promoting tea, agriculture, and tourism sectors in North Bengal.
4. When is PM Modi visiting West Bengal?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit West Bengal on December 21, 2025, to inaugurate the Rs. 3,200-crore highway projects and address a public rally in Siliguri.