Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-day visit to West Bengal on June 20, marking his first trip to the state since the BJP's recent electoral victory. During the visit, the Prime Minister will unveil a series of development projects aimed at strengthening infrastructure, agriculture, rural development, and maritime security. He will also lead the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations in Kolkata on June 21.
Key Events and Initiatives
Modi will participate in the Paschimbanga Divas celebrations at Tarakeswar in Hooghly district. He will launch, dedicate, and lay foundation stones for projects spanning railways, agriculture, fisheries, animal husbandry, and rural connectivity. The Prime Minister will address public gatherings to highlight the Centre's development agenda for the state.
PM-KISAN 23rd Instalment Release
A major highlight will be the release of the 23rd instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN). Over Rs 18,880 crore will be transferred directly to the bank accounts of more than 9.44 crore farmers nationwide. In West Bengal alone, over 45 lakh farmers will receive more than Rs 900 crore, taking the cumulative disbursement in the state to over Rs 15,000 crore. Since the scheme's launch in 2019, total nationwide transfers have crossed Rs 4.46 lakh crore.
Agricultural Initiatives
Modi will launch several key agricultural initiatives in West Bengal, including the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), AgriStack under the Digital Agriculture Mission, the National Mission on Natural Farming, and the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY).
The rollout of PMFBY in West Bengal is expected to provide crop insurance coverage to nearly 50 lakh farmers across approximately 14 lakh hectares during 2026-27, with crops worth an estimated Rs 28,140 crore insured. AgriStack will create a unified digital platform for services such as fertiliser distribution, Kisan Credit Cards, Direct Benefit Transfers, and procurement under the Minimum Support Price system.
Under the National Mission on Natural Farming, the state will establish 346 natural farming clusters covering 17,300 hectares. Bio-input resource centres and Krishi Sakhis will be deployed to promote sustainable agricultural practices. Meanwhile, PMDDKY will focus on the districts of Purulia, Darjeeling, Alipurduar, and Jhargram to improve productivity, irrigation, post-harvest infrastructure, and access to institutional credit.
Fisheries and Livestock Development
In the fisheries sector, Modi will inaugurate the modernised and expanded Fishing Harbour at Fraserganj in South 24 Parganas and a newly constructed fish market at Sainthia in Birbhum district. He will also inaugurate Eastern India's first Regional Semen Production Laboratory and Semen Bank for Goats at Haringhata in Nadia district, established under the National Livestock Mission.
Railway Infrastructure Projects
Railway infrastructure projects worth around Rs 590 crore will feature prominently. The Prime Minister will dedicate the Sankrail-Santragachi Link Line Project in Howrah district to the nation, aimed at easing congestion on one of eastern India's busiest rail corridors. He will also lay the foundation stone for a 300-bed Divisional Railway Hospital at Howrah and a Road Over Bridge between Haur and Radhamohanpur in Purba Medinipur district.
Rural Connectivity
Further strengthening rural connectivity, Modi will inaugurate 49 road projects developed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-III), covering more than 315 kilometres across several districts of West Bengal.
International Day of Yoga Celebrations
On June 21, the Prime Minister will lead the national celebrations of the 12th International Day of Yoga from Kolkata's Red Road. This year's theme, "Yoga for Healthy Ageing," focuses on the role of yoga in promoting physical health, mental well-being, and active ageing. Thousands of yoga practitioners are expected to participate in the Common Yoga Protocol session led by the Prime Minister.
Commissioning of Naval Vessels
Another major event will be the commissioning of three indigenously designed and built naval vessels — INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray — at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata. Designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) with participation from over 200 MSMEs, the ships contain more than 75 per cent indigenous content.
The induction of the advanced stealth frigate INS Dunagiri, survey vessel INS Sanshodhak, and anti-submarine warfare craft INS Agray is expected to significantly enhance India's maritime surveillance, coastal security, and operational preparedness, while showcasing the country's progress towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Political and Strategic Significance
With a combination of political outreach, welfare initiatives, infrastructure development, and strategic defence milestones, Modi's visit is expected to send a strong message about the Centre's commitment to West Bengal while reinforcing the BJP's post-election momentum in the state.
