Three Railway projects have been sanctioned by the Ministry of Railways for West Bengal, namely a new rail line project from New Jalpaiguri to Siliguri, an express train project from Santaragachi to Khatipura, and the final site selection for a third rail line from Shalbani to Adra.
According to official communication from the Railway Ministry, letters regarding the approvals were sent by Union Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
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Among the key clearances is the approval for the New Jalpaiguri-Siliguri rail line project, which is expected to strengthen Railway connectivity in North Bengal and ease movement in one of the state’s busiest transport corridors.
New express train and third-line survey approved
The Railway Ministry has also approved the operation of a new express train service, the Santaragachi-Khatipura Express, which will run via Kharagpur. The proposed service is expected to improve long-distance connectivity between West Bengal and Rajasthan.
In another significant development, the Ministry has sanctioned the Final Location Survey (FLS) for preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed third Railway line between Shalbani and Adra, covering approximately 107 kilometre.
An official letter has been issued by the Railway Ministry stating that the approval had been granted for the Final Location Survey linked to the Shalbani-Adra third-line construction project.
The proposed third line is expected to enhance freight and passenger movement capacity in the region, particularly across the mineral and industrial belt connected to Adra Division.
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Focus on Railway expansion in Bengal
The latest approvals come amid continued focus on Railway infrastructure expansion across West Bengal, including upgrades in freight corridors, new rail connectivity and additional train services.
While detailed timelines for the projects and train operations are yet to be officially announced, the approvals mark a fresh push towards improving rail connectivity in both north and south Bengal.
Officials are expected to begin further procedural and survey-related work following the Ministry’s clearances.
