Maligaon, March 12 (MExN): Railway infrastructure development in West Bengal has gained significant momentum in recent years, with increased investments, modern train services and large-scale station redevelopment projects underway.
According to an official statement, the pace of railway development in the state had remained relatively slow for decades, with several projects pending and limited modernization. However, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, West Bengal has emerged as an important centre of the ongoing transformation of Indian Railways aimed at improving connectivity, safety, passenger convenience and economic opportunities.
The average annual railway budget allocation for West Bengal during 2009–14 was around Rs 4,380 crore. In comparison, the allocation for 2026–27 has increased more than threefold to Rs 14,205 crore, reflecting a significant boost in investment. At present, railway projects worth approximately Rs 93,000 crore are under progress in the state, including construction of new tracks, station redevelopment, safety upgrades and capacity expansion.
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 101 railway stations in West Bengal have been identified for redevelopment at an estimated cost of about Rs 3,600 crore. So far, redevelopment works at nine stations — Anara, Barabhum, Haldia, Joychandi Pahar Junction, Kalyani Ghosh Para, Kamakhyaguri, Panagarh, Siuri and Tamluk — have been completed. Among these, Joychandi Pahar Junction, Kalyani Ghosh Para and Panagarh have already been inaugurated.
The upgraded stations feature improved waiting areas, digital information systems, better lighting and signage, larger circulating areas, parking facilities, lifts, escalators and modern station buildings aimed at enhancing passenger convenience.
Modern train services have also expanded in the state. Currently, one pair of Vande Bharat Sleeper Express operates from West Bengal, while 18 Vande Bharat Express and 22 Amrit Bharat Express services connect major cities and economic centres.
Since 2014, around 1,400 km of new railway tracks have been constructed in the state and about 1,712 km of routes electrified, making the railway network 100 per cent electrified.
Over 500 rail flyovers and underpasses have also been built, while the indigenous train protection system Kavach has been implemented over 105 route km, with work underway on 1,041 route km and approval granted for 3,200 route km.
The redeveloped stations at Kamakhyaguri, Tamluk, Haldia, Barabhum, Anara and Siuri will soon be inaugurated by the Prime Minister. The third railway line between Belda and Dantan, the Automatic Block Signalling project between Kalaikunda and Kanimahuli, and a new express service between Purulia and Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi will also be dedicated to the nation, the statement added.
