As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to inaugurate the Kolkata Metro network on August 22, a notable political tension is set to unfold in West Bengal. Sources indicate that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is unlikely to attend the ceremony, despite invitations, highlighting the continuing political divide between the TMC and BJP in the state.

In Karnataka earlier this month, PM Modi’s metro inauguration showcased a rare moment of camaraderie, with CM Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, and the Prime Minister smiling, chatting, and taking the first ride together. This image of political unity stood in contrast to the expected scenario in Kolkata, where Mamata Banerjee reportedly refuses to share the stage due to long-standing allegations that the Centre is denying Bengal its due funds, undermining state pride, and harassing Bengali migrants.

Despite the TMC not issuing an official statement, insiders revealed that the Chief Minister’s decision reflects political strategy and protest against perceived central neglect. The BJP’s West Bengal unit has strongly criticised her stance, with state party president Samik Bhattacharya stating that a portion of the metro project remains incomplete due to state non-cooperation, affecting public convenience.

The inauguration in Kolkata will include multiple projects:

• At Jessore Road Metro Station, PM Modi will flag off the Noapara–Jai Hind Bimanbandar metro service and undertake a round trip.

• Via video conferencing, the Sealdah–Esplanade metro service will be inaugurated, reducing travel time from 40 minutes to 11 minutes.

• The Beleghata–Hemanta Mukhopadhyay metro service will be launched, improving access to Kolkata’s IT hubs.

• A newly constructed subway at Howrah Metro Station will also be dedicated to public use.

In addition, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the 7.2 km six-lane elevated Kona Expressway, with a projected cost exceeding Rs 1,200 crore. This project is expected to enhance connectivity between Howrah, its rural hinterland, and Kolkata, while boosting trade, commerce, tourism, and daily commuter convenience.

This unfolding scenario reflects the contrast between political cooperation in Karnataka and political distance in West Bengal, underlining the regional dynamics of federal-state relations in India. While the metro projects aim to substantially improve daily commuting for lakhs of passengers, the political narrative surrounding Mamata Banerjee’s absence highlights the intersection of governance, infrastructure development, and party politics.

The Kolkata metro inauguration, combining urban development and political symbolism, is now being closely watched across the country. Analysts suggest that Mamata Banerjee’s decision to skip the event underscores the TMC’s ongoing stance against the central government, while PM Modi’s participation demonstrates the Centre’s commitment to urban infrastructure and regional connectivity projects.

In conclusion, the Kolkata Metro inauguration and the related Kona Expressway foundation stone ceremony are poised to be significant milestones in West Bengal’s infrastructure development, even as political distances persist, reflecting broader trends in state-Centre relations and electoral strategy in India. The event underscores how infrastructure initiatives and political narratives intertwine, shaping public perception and influencing future political discourse.

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