Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled political programme in West Bengal faced an unexpected hurdle on Saturday, as adverse weather conditions forced a last-minute change in plans. The Prime Minister's helicopter was unable to land at its intended destination in Nadia district due to heavy fog, causing a significant delay in his itinerary.
Fog Disrupts Travel Plans, Security Scramble Ensues
PM Modi had arrived at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport around 10:30 am. He was scheduled to proceed by air to Taherpur in Nadia, aiming to reach by 11:15 am. However, dense fog over the landing area made it impossible for the helicopter to touch down safely. The aircraft was compelled to return to Kolkata.
This development triggered immediate contingency planning by the security detail. Officials from the National Security Guard (NSG), Special Protection Group (SPG), and the West Bengal police convened a high-level meeting to chart alternative road routes for the Prime Minister's convoy to reach Ranaghat, the site of the public event.
Major Infrastructure Projects on the Agenda
Despite the delay, the core agenda for the visit remained the inauguration of critical highway infrastructure. PM Modi is set to launch development projects with a total worth of ₹3,200 crore in the region. The key projects include:
- The inauguration of a 66.7 km four-lane stretch of the Barajaguli–Krishnanagar section on National Highway 34 (NH-34).
- The laying of the foundation stone for the four-laning of the 17.6 km Barasat–Barajaguli section of NH-34 in North 24 Parganas district.
These upgraded highway segments are poised to form a vital corridor connecting Kolkata and Siliguri. Authorities anticipate the new roads will slash travel time by nearly two hours, boosting regional economic activity and promoting tourism.
Political Significance and Matua Community Focus
This visit marks PM Modi's first trip to West Bengal since the commencement of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls, a process watched closely by all political parties. The rally in Ranaghat held substantial political weight, particularly regarding the influential Matua community.
According to BJP sources, the Prime Minister was expected to directly address the concerns of Matua community members at the rally, many of whom are anxious about the ongoing electoral roll revision. The BJP's performance in the Matua-dominated belt has been strong; the party won all 17 Assembly seats in Nadia and North 24-Parganas in the 2021 state elections, and secured the Ranaghat and Bongaon Lok Sabha seats in the 2024 general elections.
Following the Bengal engagement, the Prime Minister is scheduled to proceed to Assam for a two-day trip on December 20 and 21.
