Big plans for Bengal: Mamata

Kolkata, Nov 09: With the by-elections over and eyeing the crucial state Assembly elections in 2011, Trinamool chief and Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee once again started her inauguration spree on Sunday. She laid the foundation stone for the superstructure of the New Jubilee bridge. She had laid the foundation stone of the same bridge in 2001.

“The bridge will be a vital link in the area. After completion, it will be named Maitreyee bridge. This is just a small part of the overall development we have planned up for Bengal. The state government cannot even think of such work, leave alone doing it,” said Banerjee, while adressing a gathering at Garifa Maidan in Naihati in North 24-Parganas.

Criticising the state government for its inefficiancy, she said, “In 2001, the Railways gave 4,000 sq feet of prime land for the development of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay Research Institute. But till now nothing has been done. We’ll wait for sometime and take the land back from them,” she said. She also announced a host of new projects and stated work will be done on a war footing.

“We will develop the Kanchrapara railway workshop within a month which will generate employment in the area. We will extend the eastern freight corridor from Howrah to Dankuni, which will bring in unprecedented development in the area. Dankuni will grow as an industrial hub with freight connectivity with the rest of India. Work on the upgradation of 216 stations in Bengal as ‘ideal stations’ will also start as soon as possible,” she said.

–Agencies