Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate three metro projects in Kolkata this week. The event invited West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is not expected to attend. Rail Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu, when speaking with TV9 Bharatvarsh, stated that the metro service will continue regardless of CM Banerjee’s attendance. Reports indicate that the Chief Minister will not be present at the program.
Bittu emphasized the connection between Punjab and Bengal, and how the nation is united. He also mentioned the culmination of the parliamentary session and the Prime Minister’s plans to inaugurate a project worth 3900 crore rupees. He highlighted the long-standing public demand in West Bengal for the Orange, Yellow, and Green Line projects that the Prime Minister will be inaugurating. Bittu argued that all states need to advance to build a developed India, irrespective of which party is in power in any state.
He stated that the projects will benefit the general public, improving their convenience. He suggested that West Bengal MPs could propose ten similar projects. Bittu also highlighted the Prime Minister’s concern for the people of West Bengal, and the metro’s expansion over 13 kilometers. He highlighted the advantages of the metro for airport access: its speed, comfort and affordability.
Bittu noted that political conflicts often negatively impact the state. He called on the government to work with the Prime Minister on important projects instead of being involved in political fights. He maintained that the metro would run regardless of the Chief Minister’s attendance. He also mentioned the cultural events and the presence of international artists scheduled for the Prime Minister’s event.