Will Women of West Bengal Urge PM Modi on Safety Issues?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Women in West Bengal are calling for greater security measures.
- PM Modi’s visit includes significant developmental projects.
- Concerns over violent crimes against women are rising.
- Key infrastructure projects aim to enhance regional connectivity.
- The Prime Minister's address is anticipated by many.
Durgapur, July 17 (NationPress) As Prime Minister Narendra Modi gears up for his visit to West Bengal this Friday to inaugurate and lay the groundwork for numerous development initiatives worth over ₹5,000 crore, the women of the state are making a poignant request - they wish for the Prime Minister to address their security concerns.
PM Modi’s itinerary includes speaking at a BJP rally in Durgapur, as well as launching projects designed to enhance infrastructure in the area. However, amidst the festive atmosphere, worries regarding women’s safety have taken precedence.
“We are very excited about his arrival. Seeing him feels like witnessing a divine presence,” shared a woman from Durgapur.
“But I hope PM Modi will talk about women’s issues tomorrow. Women are feeling unsafe here. We want him to discuss our safety,” she conveyed to IANS.
Another woman expressed similar thoughts, stating, “PM Modi has accomplished a lot for the nation, and I am pleased he is visiting us. Nonetheless, I wish for him to advocate for us. Women no longer feel secure.”
West Bengal has been grappling with an alarming surge in reports of violent crimes against women. Prominent cases such as the R.G. Kar Medical College rape and murder incident, along with the Kolkata gang rape case, have left women throughout the state anxious and demanding enhanced security.
The Prime Minister’s trip to West Bengal is part of a broader tour that encompasses Bihar and West Bengal, during which he will unveil developmental projects worth over ₹12,200 crore. These initiatives aim to bolster the infrastructure and connectivity of both states.
Following a public address in Motihari, Bihar, PM Modi will head to Durgapur, West Bengal, where he will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate several significant projects in the oil and gas, power, road, and rail sectors.
Among the key projects is the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) City Gas Distribution (CGD) initiative for Bankura and Purulia districts, estimated at approximately ₹1,950 crore. This endeavor will enhance the region’s oil and gas infrastructure by providing piped natural gas (PNG) connections to households, businesses, and industries, as well as compressed natural gas (CNG) at retail stations.
PM Modi will also inaugurate the 132-kilometre Durgapur to Kolkata section of the Durgapur-Haldia Natural Gas Pipeline, along with the Bokaro-Dhamra Pipeline, both integral parts of the flagship Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga (PMUG) Project.
In the energy sector, the Prime Minister will launch the Retrofitting Pollution Control System-Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) at the Durgapur Steel Thermal Power Station and Raghunathpur Thermal Power Station of the Damodar Valley Corporation, a project valued at over ₹1,457 crore aimed at reducing pollution.
To improve rail connectivity, the doubling of the Purulia – Kotshila Rail Line (36 km) will be dedicated to the nation. This undertaking, worth over ₹390 crore, will enhance freight movement between major industrial centers, reducing travel time and improving logistics.
Additionally, two road over bridges constructed under the Setu Bharatam Programme, costing over ₹380 crore, will be inaugurated, alleviating traffic congestion and enhancing safety.