Kolkata, June 6: West Bengal is set to witness the implementation of railway infrastructure projects worth approximately ₹1 lakh crore. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced this during a meeting with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at the state secretariat, Nabanna, on Saturday.
In a conversation with the media, the Chief Minister stated that once these projects are completed, every district in the state will be connected to an improved railway network. He noted that previous conflicts between the state and central governments had delayed many railway projects, but the situation has now changed, allowing for expedited progress.
Adhikari mentioned that the Railway Board and the Ministry of Railways had sent multiple letters regarding pending projects to the previous government, but received no response. Despite this, ₹4,380 crore was allocated for metro and various rail projects in West Bengal over the past five years. For the fiscal year 2026-27, a provision of ₹14,205 crore has been made. He emphasized that a total of ₹1 lakh crore will now be invested in railway projects across the state.
He also revealed plans for the construction of 102 Amrit Bharat railway stations and 538 flyovers and underpasses in the near future. The state government will provide land wherever necessary.
Currently, some areas in West Bengal are not adequately connected to the railway network. However, the Chief Minister assured that regions including Karimpur, Tehatta, Jalangi, Gopiballavpur, Nayagram, and Hili will be integrated into the railway map. Rail connectivity will also be strengthened in North Bengal, South Bengal, and the Jangalmahal area, benefiting the general public significantly.
Earlier on Saturday, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that a bullet train service will also be launched in West Bengal. This bullet train will operate from New Delhi to Lucknow, Varanasi, and Patna, reaching Siliguri in North Bengal in just six hours.
The Minister further declared that 60 new train services will be introduced in West Bengal over the next five years, enhancing the state’s rail connectivity and transportation system.
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