Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, Jun 6: West Bengal is poised for a major expansion of its railway infrastructure, with projects worth nearly Rs 1 lakh crore set to be rolled out across the state, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Saturday following a meeting with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at Nabanna.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Adhikari said the proposed investments would significantly strengthen rail connectivity across the state, ensuring that even remote regions are integrated into the railway network.
He said several railway projects had faced delays in the past due to a lack of coordination between the state and central governments. However, he asserted that the current administration would work closely with the Railways to ensure faster execution of infrastructure projects.
According to the Chief Minister, the Railway Ministry had repeatedly sought cooperation from the previous state government on pending projects, but progress remained limited. Despite these challenges, he noted, substantial investments were made in rail and metro development over the past few years.
Adhikari highlighted that an allocation of Rs 14,205 crore has been earmarked for railway projects in West Bengal for the 2026–27 financial year, while the broader development plan envisages works worth Rs 1 lakh crore in the coming years.
As part of the expansion drive, 102 Amrit Bharat railway stations will be developed across the state, along with 538 flyovers and underpasses aimed at improving safety and reducing congestion.
The Chief Minister also said the state government would facilitate land acquisition wherever required for railway projects. He emphasised that several regions that currently lack adequate rail connectivity—including Karimpur, Tehatta, Jalangi, Gopiballabhpur, Nayagram and Hili—would be brought onto the railway map.
He added that the initiative would benefit all parts of the state, including North Bengal, South Bengal and the Jangalmahal region, leading to improved transportation and economic opportunities.
Earlier in the day, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced plans to introduce a high-speed bullet train corridor connecting New Delhi and Siliguri. The proposed route would pass through Lucknow, Varanasi and Patna, reducing travel time between the national capital and North Bengal to approximately six hours.
Vaishnaw also revealed that around 60 new train services are expected to be launched in West Bengal over the next five years as part of the Centre’s broader railway expansion strategy.