Thu May 29 19:44:46 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a ₹1,010 crore City Gas Distribution (CGD) network in Alipurduar, West Bengal, on May 29, 2025, highlighting the state’s crucial role in India’s vision of becoming a “Viksit Bharat” (developed India). He emphasized the significant expansion of city gas services from 66 districts in 2014 to over 550 districts currently. Modi also lauded the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana for its role in increasing LPG connections and distributors, making clean cooking fuel more accessible nationwide. He pointed to substantial infrastructure investments made by the Union Government in West Bengal and expressed hope for the state’s continued development.

**News Article:**

**Modi Inaugurates City Gas Network in West Bengal, Calls State Key to India’s Development**

**KOLKATA, INDIA – May 30, 2025** – Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a ₹1,010 crore City Gas Distribution (CGD) network in Alipurduar, West Bengal, yesterday, underscoring the state’s vital role in India’s ambition to become a developed nation.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Modi stated, “Bengal’s participation is both expected and essential in India’s progress to developed status. Bengal’s development is a foundational pillar of India’s future.”

The project is expected to benefit approximately 2.5 lakh households in West Bengal by providing access to clean and affordable energy through pipelines. The Prime Minister highlighted the significant expansion of the CGD network across the country, from a mere 66 districts in 2014 to over 550 today.

He praised the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana for accelerating the transition to a gas-based economy, noting the surge in LPG connections from under 14 crore in 2014 to over 31 crore, and the increase in LPG distributors from fewer than 14,000 to over 25,000.

Mr. Modi also highlighted substantial infrastructure investments made by the Union Government in West Bengal over the past decade, including projects like the Purva Expressway, the Durgapur Expressway, the modernisation of the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port, the expansion of the Kolkata Metro, and the transformation of the New Jalpaiguri Station.

He expressed optimism that West Bengal would continue on its path of development and reclaim its historical prominence in culture, knowledge, and scientific advancements.

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