Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in Paschimbanga Divas (West Bengal Day) celebrations in Tarakeswar, Hooghly, marking his first visit to the state after the recent elections and swearing-in of the new government. The theme for this year's celebrations was "West Bengal: Heritage, Harmony and Development."
During the event, the Prime Minister launched, dedicated to the nation, and laid the foundation stones of multiple development projects spanning railways, agriculture, rural development, fisheries, and animal husbandry sectors. These initiatives, worth hundreds of crores of rupees, are designed to strengthen infrastructure, improve livelihoods, enhance farmer welfare, and accelerate socio-economic development across the state.
The most significant financial announcement was the release of the 23rd instalment of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), through which ₹18,880 crore will be transferred directly into the bank accounts of over 9.44 crore farmers across the country.
The Prime Minister announced that every eligible poor family in West Bengal will now benefit from the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. He also highlighted the rollout of the Annapurna Scheme, expanded access to clean drinking water through Jal Jeevan Mission, relaxation in age limits for government jobs, and implementation of free bus travel for women.
Specific infrastructure projects mentioned include the completion of Kolkata Metro's Orange Line work at Chingrighata Crossing, foundation stone for a new divisional railway hospital in Howrah, road overbridges in Purba Medinipur, and the Sankrail–Santragachi rail link project.
For agriculture, the Prime Minister welcomed the launch of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in West Bengal and announced the state's integration into the Digital Agriculture Mission. Under PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, four districts—Purulia, Darjeeling, Alipurduar, and Jhargram—will receive focused support to enhance agricultural productivity and storage infrastructure.
In fisheries, the expansion of Fraserganj Fishing Harbour in South 24 Parganas and development of a modern fish market in Birbhum were highlighted as initiatives to boost livelihoods. The Prime Minister also appealed to farmers to participate in the "Khet Bachao Abhiyan" promoting soil health and natural farming practices.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the development of Eastern India remains central to the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 under the Purvodaya Initiative, with West Bengal playing a critical role in driving regional and national growth.