My colleague in the Union Cabinet, Sukanto Majumdar Ji, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari Ji, Alipurduar's popular MP brother Manoj Tigga Ji, other MPs, MLAs, and my brothers and sisters of Bengal! 

My greetings to all the people of Bengal from this historic land of Alipurduar!

This land of Alipurduar is not just connected by borders but also by cultures. On one side is the border of Bhutan, on the other side is the salutation of Assam. On one side is the beauty of Jalpaiguri, on the other side is the pride of Cooch Behar. Today I have got the privilege of meeting all of you on this prosperous land.

Friends, 

Today, when India is moving towards becoming a developed nation, Bengal's participation is both expected and essential. With this intention, the central government is constantly giving new impetus to infrastructure, innovation and investment here. The development of Bengal is the foundation of India's future. And today is the day to add another strong brick to that foundation. A short while ago, we launched the City Gas Distribution Project in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar from this platform. Through this project, clean, safe and cheap gas will be supplied through pipeline to more than 2.5 lakh households. This will not only eliminate the worry of buying a cylinder for the kitchen but will also ensure safe gas supply to the families. Along with this, the construction of CNG stations will also expand the facilities of green fuel. This will save money, time and also provide relief to the environment. I congratulate the citizens of Alipurdurwar and Cooch Behar for this new beginning. This project of city gas distribution is not just a pipeline project; it is also an example of doorstep delivery of government schemes.

Friends, 

The progress that India has made in the field of energy in the last few years is unprecedented. Today our country is moving rapidly towards a gas-based economy. Before 2014, 66 districts of the country had city gas facilities. Today, the city gas distribution network has reached more than 550 districts. This network is now reaching our villages and small towns. Lakhs of homes are getting gas through pipes. Public transport has also changed due to CNG. This is reducing pollution. That means, the health of the countrymen is improving and the burden on their pockets is also reducing.

Friends, 

This change has gained further momentum with the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. Our government launched this scheme in the year 2016. This scheme has made the lives of crores of poor sisters easier. This has freed women from smoke, improved their health, and most importantly, an atmosphere of respect has been created in the kitchen of the house. In 2014, there were less than 14 crore LPG connections in our country. Today this number is more than 31 crores. That means the dream of providing gas to every home is now being realized. For this, our government has strengthened the gas distribution network in every corner of the country. Therefore, the number of LPG distributors across the country has also more than doubled. Before 2014, there were less than 14 thousand LPG distributors in the country. Now their number has also increased to more than 25 thousand. Gas cylinders are now easily available in every village.

Friends, 

All of you are also familiar with the Urja Ganga Project. This project is a revolutionary step towards a gas-based economy. Under this scheme, work is being done to connect gas pipelines to the states of eastern India. Now gas is reaching many states of eastern India including West Bengal through pipes. All these efforts of the Government of India have created new employment opportunities, be it in cities or villages. Employment has increased at every level, from laying pipelines to supply of gas. Gas-based industries have also got a boost from this. Now we are moving towards an India where energy is cheap, clean, and accessible to all.

Friends, 

West Bengal has been a major center of Indian culture and knowledge and science. The dream of a developed India cannot be fulfilled without the development of Bengal. And keeping this in mind, the central government has started development works worth thousands of crores here in the last 10 years. Be it Purva Expressway or Durgapur Expressway, modernization of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port or expansion of Kolkata Metro, rejuvenation of New Jalpaiguri station or operation of new trains on the Dooars route, the central government has made every possible effort to develop Bengal. The project that has started today is not just a pipeline; it is the lifeline of progress. It is our endeavour to make your life easy and your future bright. With the hope that our Bengal should move rapidly towards development, once again, I extend my best wishes for all these facilities. Now after 5 minutes, I am going to an open platform from here. You would want to hear many things from me, that platform is more suitable, so I will tell you the rest of the things after 5 minutes. This is enough in this programme, you should take this journey of development forward with zeal and enthusiasm.

Best wishes, thank you very much.

DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered in Hindi.

***

MJPS/VJ/SS