PM Modi flags off 2 maritime projects at West Bengal as part of Rs 830 crore infra package

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday flagged off two maritime projects under a Rs 830 crore development package at Singur and Balagarh in West Bengal's Hooghly district.

The two major maritime projects flagged off were the Extended Port Gate System project at Balagarh, for which he took part in the foundation stone ceremony, as well as an electric catamaran—the first in a six-vessel project.

This was announced during a major rally in the poll-bound state at 3 PM, and comes after he virtually flagged off four Amrit Bharat Express trains as a part of another Rs 3,250 crore package announced on Saturday.

The Balagarh project

The 900-acre Extended Port Gate System at Balagarh, in West Bengal's Hooghly district, is expected to provide a major boost for cargo handling operations at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMPK).

The project includes the construction of an Inland Water Transport (IWT) terminal, a road overbridge, and two dedicated cargo handling jetties—one for containerised cargo and one for dry bulk cargo.

With an expected cargo handling capacity of about 2.7 million tonnes per annum, the Balagarh project is expected to redirect cargo traffic away from Kolkata's roads leading to the SMPK.

It is also expected to generate a number of jobs in sectors such as logistics, terminal operations, transport services, maintenance, and related activities.

The electric catamaran project

The hybrid-electric catamaran launched on Sunday under the Rs 830 crore package is the first in a six-vessel deal with Cochin Shipyard.

With a capacity of up to 50 passengers, the vessel is equipped with advanced electric propulsion systems and lithium-titanate battery technology that enables it to operate efficiently along the Hooghly River.