New Express Train Service Launched
Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari flagged off the new Jaipur (Khatipura)–Tatanagar–Santragachi Express train service through video conferencing. The new service aims to strengthen rail connectivity between Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, particularly benefiting migrant workers in Rajasthan, business communities, students, and other passengers traveling between these regions.
Significant Infrastructure Investment in Jharkhand
Railway Minister Vaishnaw highlighted substantial infrastructure development in Jharkhand, where the railway budget allocation has increased approximately 16 times from ₹450 crore to ₹7,500 crore. Projects worth approximately ₹75,000 crore are currently underway in the state. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 57 stations in Jharkhand are being redeveloped, with work already completed at Godda, Govindpur Road, Lohardaga, Madhupur, and Muri stations.
Nationwide Station Redevelopment Program
The redevelopment work under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is being implemented across the country, with more than 1,300 stations taken up for development. In West Bengal, several stations including Santragachi, Jalpaiguri Road, Joychandi Pahar, Haldia, and Kamakhyaguri are also being redeveloped. The railway development focuses on meeting the needs of middle-class and economically weaker families for whom railways serve as a major means of affordable transport.
Additional Infrastructure Projects
Work is underway to expand the railway line connecting Howrah, Kharagpur, Chakulia, and Tatanagar to four lines. Additionally, the 4.5-kilometer-long section connected to the Beleghata-IT Centre of Kolkata Metro has been completed, with trial runs commenced. This section will provide connectivity with the Green Line of the metro system.
Increased Investment in West Bengal
Chief Minister Adhikari acknowledged the increased railway infrastructure investment in West Bengal, noting that the annual average allocation during 2009-2014 was ₹4,380 crore, which has increased to ₹14,205 crore for the fiscal year 2026-27. This enhanced investment is expected to support the development of railway infrastructure and improvement of connectivity throughout the state.