KOLKATA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated, laid the foundation stone of and flagged off multiple infrastructure projects worth over ₹830 crore at Singur in Hooghly district, West Bengal. The initiatives, with a strong focus on ports and inland waterways, mark a significant step toward strengthening India’s maritime and logistics ecosystem while accelerating sustainable economic growth in the eastern region.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of developing Eastern India as a key pillar of India’s overall progress. He underlined that enhanced waterways and port-led infrastructure will not only improve cargo and passenger movement but also create long-term opportunities for trade, logistics, and maritime-linked employment.
A major focus of the programme was the launch of ports and inland waterways projects worth ₹552 crore, aimed at boosting riverine logistics, decongesting traditional transport routes and strengthening multimodal connectivity. These initiatives are aligned with the Government of India’s vision to promote inland waterways as a cost-effective, environment-friendly and reliable mode of transport.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated the Extended Port Gate System at Balagarh, developed by the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority. Located around 45 nautical miles upstream from Kolkata, the facility is designed to ease congestion at the Kolkata Dock System while enabling seamless cargo movement through National Waterway-1 (Ganga–Bhagirathi–Hooghly). The terminal, equipped to handle containerised and coal cargo with a projected capacity of 2.7 million tonnes per annum, is supported by road and rail connectivity and advanced dredging facilities to ensure year-round navigation.
As part of the clean mobility initiative, PM Modi launched six hybrid electric aluminium catamarans, including a 50-passenger vessel powered by advanced lithium-titanate battery technology. Developed at a cost of ₹12 crore, the vessels represent a major milestone in India’s transition toward green inland water transport, offering energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable passenger mobility on Kolkata’s waterways.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s inland waterways—once underutilised—are now emerging as a modern, efficient and economical mode of transportation. He noted that these projects will significantly enhance cargo movement, lower logistics costs and generate employment while supporting sustainable growth across the country.
Beyond infrastructure, the scale and pace of investment in India’s maritime sector are also creating a growing demand for skilled professionals, specialised training and research-led education. With expanding inland waterways, green shipping initiatives and port modernisation, the sector is witnessing increased opportunities for students and young professionals across navigation, logistics, marine engineering, environmental sustainability and maritime management.
Institutions under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, including the Indian Maritime University (IMU), are aligning academic programmes and training frameworks to meet the evolving needs of the industry. The focus is on preparing future-ready talent capable of supporting India’s blue economy ambitions and the expanding inland water transport network.
“These infrastructure initiatives not only transform connectivity and logistics but also strengthen the foundation for maritime education, skill development and career growth for India’s youth,” officials said, adding that the integration of infrastructure development with human capital creation will be critical to sustaining long-term sectoral growth.
The inauguration, conducted virtually from Singur, reflects the Government of India’s integrated and future-oriented approach to maritime development—combining modern infrastructure, green mobility and skill ecosystem strengthening. Together, these efforts reinforce West Bengal’s role as a vital gateway for trade and connectivity and position India’s inland waterways as a key driver of economic and employment growth.
