Maligaon, May 21 (MExN): General Manager/Construction of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), Ashish Bansal, conducted a safety inspection and reviewed ongoing developmental works in the Eklakhi–Balurghat and Balurghat–Hili sections on May 20.
According to a press release issued by the NFR, the inspection focused on railway infrastructure, track conditions, station development works, bridges, passenger amenities, operational preparedness and overall progress of construction activities under the Balurghat–Hili New Broad Gauge Line Project.
The 29.257-km project in Dakshin Dinajpur district is being executed at an estimated cost of Rs 1,181.09 crore. The project aims to improve rail connectivity in the region and support socio-economic development.
NFR stated that 100% land acquisition covering 156.38 hectares has been completed and handed over to the Railways. The project includes construction of 11 major bridges, 43 minor bridges, station buildings, road over bridges, road under bridges, staff quarters, track formation and other railway infrastructure works.
The target for completion of the project has been fixed for March 2027.
During the inspection, emphasis was laid on safety standards, quality of construction works, bridge works, station infrastructure, utility shifting and operational preparedness for future train operations. The General Manager also reviewed progress of Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) works in the Balurghat–Kumedpur and Labha–Kumedpur sections.
NFR informed that trolley inspection activities continued on May 21 to further assess safety aspects and progress of ongoing works. Senior officials from the headquarters and Katihar division accompanied the inspection team.
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