Replying to a question in the Assembly by leader of the Opposition Pankaj Banerjee, urban development minister Asok Bhattacharya said the government has already taken up two major township projects in West Howrah and Dankuni. Programmes have also been planned to improve infrastructure, including roads, drinking water supply and sewerage, the minister added.

"Realising the importance of Howrah and the need of the hour, we have taken up the Howrah Rejuvenation Programme with financial assistance from the Department for International Development,'' Bhattacharya told the House.

He said that both government and private agencies would implement the projects. Joint ventures would also be undertaken.

Bhattacharya revealed the government's plans to merge the West Howrah and Dankuni townships, as they are close to each other.