PM Modi To Launch New Rail Projects In West Bengal On March 14
Indian Railways is set to enhance connectivity, passenger amenities and operational efficiency in West Bengal with the launch of several key railway initiatives during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the state on March 14.
A major highlight of the visit will be the flagging off of the Purulia-Anand Vihar Terminal Express, which will provide direct rail connectivity between West Bengal and northern states including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand, linking them with the National Capital Region.
The new train service will connect Purulia with Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi, providing residents of the district with a direct rail link to the national capital for the first time. The Ministry of Railways said the service is expected to benefit students, migrant workers and families travelling between eastern and northern India by reducing travel time and the need for multiple train changes.
Six stations redeveloped under Amrit Bharat scheme
Passenger facilities in the state will also receive a major boost with the inauguration of six redeveloped railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
The stations include Kamakhyaguri railway station, Tamluk railway station, Haldia railway station, Barabhum railway station, Anara railway station and Siuri railway station.
The upgraded stations feature improved waiting areas, enhanced lighting, digital passenger information systems and accessibility facilities such as lifts and escalators, aimed at providing a more comfortable and efficient travel experience.
Capacity and safety improvements
To strengthen rail capacity, the third rail line between Belda and Dantan, spanning around 16 kilometres, will also be dedicated to the nation. The additional track is expected to ease congestion and enable smoother movement of passenger and freight trains.
Meanwhile, the Automatic Block Signalling (ABS) system between Kalaikunda and Kanimohuli will be commissioned to enhance safety and allow trains to run at shorter intervals, improving service frequency and punctuality.
Rail network expansion in West Bengal
The Ministry said the railway network in West Bengal has witnessed significant expansion in recent years. Since 2014, nearly 1,400 kilometres of new railway tracks have been laid in the state, while the entire railway network has achieved 100 percent electrification, enabling faster and more energy-efficient train operations.
More than 500 rail flyovers and underpasses have also been constructed to eliminate level crossings and improve safety. In addition, the Kavach Automatic Train Protection system has been deployed across 105 route kilometres in the state, with work underway to expand its coverage further.
Large investments in railway infrastructure
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 101 railway stations in West Bengal are being redeveloped at an estimated cost of around ₹3,600 crore, with nine stations already completed.
Overall, railway projects worth around ₹93,000 crore are currently under implementation in the state, covering new lines, signalling upgrades, station modernisation and capacity enhancement works.
The Ministry noted that West Bengal also serves as a key transit corridor connecting the northeastern states with the rest of the country, and strengthening rail infrastructure in the state will improve passenger and freight movement across the wider region.
