"Bengal’s development is the foundation of India’s progress": PM Modi in Alipurduar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for a ₹1,010 crore City Gas Distribution (CGD) project in West Bengal’s Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts. Addressing a gathering, he underlined the critical role of Bengal in India’s transformation into a developed nation and promised continued support for infrastructure and innovation in the region.

The CGD project is set to provide Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections to over 2.5 lakh households, along with 100 commercial and industrial units. Additionally, around 19 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations will be built to promote cleaner vehicular fuel, reducing reliance on traditional cooking gas cylinders and supporting green energy.

Speaking on Sikkim Statehood Day, Modi also lauded the northeast's progress, calling the region a "shining chapter" in India's development journey. He cited improved connectivity through the Atal Setu as an example of how northeastern states like Sikkim are now models of cultural richness and rapid growth.

Later in the day, the Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate a ₹1,200 crore integrated terminal at Patna’s Jayprakash Narayan International Airport and lay the foundation for a new civil enclave at Bihta airport, further advancing India’s push for world-class infrastructure.