West Bengal has a well-developed network of railways, roadways,
airports and seaports. It has latest and modern telecom network as well
as reliable power supply system. In order to upgrade and fully develop
such infrastructural facilities, the Government of West Bengal has undertaken
several infrastructure projects. It is making all efforts to attract greater
investments into the State economy.
Roadways
The length of roads in the State is 91970 km, including
1,898 km of National Highways; 3533 km of State Highways; 12565 km of
PWD roads; and 42,479 km of district roads. National Highway Authority
of India (NHAI) is widening the entire stretch of National Highway, NH-2
falling within the State to four lanes. This highway, which connects Kolkata
to New Delhi, is part of the national Golden Quadrangle. The 65 km Durgapur
Expressway and 8 km Kona Expressway serves as cut-offs and provides easier
access to Kolkata from NH-2.
Railways
The total length of railway route in the State is 4431.64
km. Howrah Asansol, Sealdah, Bandel, Bardhaman, Kharagpur and New Jalpaiguri
are the main railway junctions.
Aviation
West Bengal presently has two commercial airports, namely,
Netaji Subhas International Airport at Dum Dum and Bagdogra Airport at
Darjeeling. Through these two airports, the State is well-connected to
most of the other States/cities within India and outside it.
Waterways
The State of West Bengal has two modern seaports, namely,
Kolkata and Haldia. They together handled 53.02 million tones of cargo
in 2005-06, the second highest among major ports in India.
Power
West Bengal is one of the few States in India with surplus
power. Presently, the power in the State is generated by the West Bengal
Power Development Corporation limited, West Bengal State Electricity Board,
Calcutta Electricity supply Corporation, Durgapur Project Limited, Disergarh
Power Supply Corporation, etc. The total generation of power, produced
by the State agencies, has been 17115 MU (in 2005-06). In order to maintain
such surplus power, the State Government is not only significantly increasing
the power generation capacity, but also implementing a number of schemes
for improving the physical and extending the transmission and distribution
network.
Telecom
The State telecom industry offers vast potential for investment
with the penetration of optic fiber cables and the expansion of broadband
services all over the State. Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (VSNL) has its
international gateway and earth station in and around Kolkata. Mobile
cellular services and email services are also available from a host of
operators.
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