West Bengal Set For Railway Transformation As Centre Clears 61 Projects, Bullet Train Plan Unveiled

West Bengal is set to witness a major transformation in its railway infrastructure as the Centre moves ahead with an ambitious package of rail development projects. The plans include a proposed bullet train corridor, station modernisation, metro expansion, freight connectivity and dozens of new railway projects aimed at strengthening the state's transport network.

The announcements came after Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw met Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at the state secretariat on Friday. The two leaders later addressed a joint press conference outlining the Centre's vision for railway development in Bengal.

61 Railway Projects Get Green Signal

According to sources, multiple railway initiatives were discussed during the meeting, with approval already granted for 61 projects across the state. The projects are expected to improve connectivity within Bengal while also enhancing links to the northeastern region, for which the state serves as a key gateway.

Highlighting the scale of the infrastructure push, Vaishnaw announced that 538 flyovers and underpasses would be constructed across West Bengal to improve rail-road connectivity and reduce congestion.

Bullet Train to Connect Delhi and Siliguri

One of the biggest announcements was the proposed high-speed rail service linking New Delhi and Siliguri in North Bengal. The long-awaited bullet train project is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two destinations.

"This bullet train will start from New Delhi and will reach Siliguri in North Bengal via Lucknow, Varanasi, and Patna. The distance will be covered in just six hours. Apart from that, 60 new train services will be introduced in the state in the next five years," the railway minister added.

The Centre also revealed plans for a dedicated east-west freight corridor connecting Dankuni in West Bengal with Surat in Gujarat, aimed at boosting cargo movement and industrial growth.

Amrit Bharat Stations and Metro Expansion

The railway minister said Bengal would see extensive station redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat programme. A total of 102 railway stations are slated for modernisation in the coming years.

Kolkata Metro is also set for expansion, with 60 new metro rakes expected to be added over the next five years. These additions are intended to improve capacity and commuter convenience in the metropolitan transport network.

Vaishnaw further stated that railway projects worth Rs 1 lakh crore are planned for the state and assured that funding for the initiatives has already been arranged.

Centre-State Coordination to Accelerate Development

During the press conference, Vaishnaw criticised the previous Trinamool Congress administration, alleging that several railway projects were delayed due to legal challenges.

"However, you will now be able to work freely and wholeheartedly. The previous government did not allow you to work," the minister told reporters at Nabanna.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari echoed the sentiment, saying cooperation between the state and Centre would help accelerate infrastructure growth.

"But the people of West Bengal will now fully reap the benefits of a 'double-engine' government. Approval has already been granted for 61 railway projects," he said.

To ensure smooth execution of the projects, the chief minister has directed district magistrates to work closely with the Railway Board, particularly on railway expansion plans and land acquisition requirements. The move is expected to speed up implementation of the large-scale infrastructure programme across the state.