Indian Railways Marks a New Phase of Connectivity and Passenger Convenience as Infrastructure and Passenger Services in West Bengal Receive Major Boost
Indian Railways Marks a New Phase of Connectivity and Passenger Convenience as Infrastructure and Passenger Services in West Bengal Receive Major Boost
Indian Railways is set to further strengthen connectivity, passenger amenities and operational efficiency in West Bengal with the inauguration and launch of several key railway initiatives during the Prime Minister’s visit to the state on 14 March 2026. These projects reflect the Ministry of Railways’ continued focus on expanding capacity, improving travel experience and enhancing regional integration through modern rail infrastructure.
A major highlight of the visit will be the flagging off of the Purulia-Anand Vihar Terminal (Delhi) Express, strengthening rail connectivity between West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and the national capital region. For residents of Purulia, one of the less-connected districts of West Bengal, the service will provide a direct rail link to the national capital for the first time. The new connection is expected to significantly ease travel for passengers, including students, workers and families who frequently commute between eastern India and northern states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. By reducing dependence on multiple train changes and long travel routes, the new service will offer greater convenience, shorter travel times and improved access to employment and educational opportunities.
Passenger facilities in the state will also receive a major boost with the inauguration of six redeveloped railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The stations at Kamakhyaguri, Tamluk, Haldia, Barabhum, Anara and Siuri have been modernised with upgraded infrastructure and improved passenger amenities. The redeveloped stations feature enhanced waiting areas, improved lighting, digital information systems, better circulation areas and accessibility features such as lifts and escalators. These improvements aim to create more comfortable, accessible and efficient travel environments for passengers while enhancing the overall station experience.
Strengthening rail capacity on key corridors, the third rail line between Belda and Dantan, spanning around 16 kilometres, will also be dedicated to the nation. The addition of a third line on this busy section will significantly improve line capacity, allowing more trains to operate and helping to reduce congestion. Increased track capacity will support smoother movement of both passenger and freight services while improving punctuality and reliability for commuters using the route.
Further enhancing operational efficiency and safety, the Automatic Block Signalling (ABS) system between Kalaikunda and Kanimohuli will also be commissioned. Automatic Block Signalling enables trains to run safely at shorter intervals by dividing the track into automated signal blocks. This technology-driven upgrade will allow a greater number of trains to operate on the same stretch of track while maintaining high safety standards. For passengers, this translates into improved service frequency, better punctuality and more efficient train operations.
These initiatives are part of the broader transformation taking place across the railway network in West Bengal. Since 2014, nearly 1,400 kilometres of new railway tracks have been laid in the state, significantly expanding rail capacity and connectivity. The entire railway network in West Bengal has also achieved 100 percent electrification, enabling faster, cleaner and more energy-efficient train operations.
Safety and operational improvements have also been a key priority. More than 500 rail flyovers and underpasses have been constructed across the state to eliminate level crossings, improve traffic flow and reduce accident risks. In addition, the Kavach Automatic Train Protection system has been deployed across 105 route kilometres in the state, with work underway on a further 1,041 route kilometres and approvals granted for a total coverage of around 3,200 route kilometres.
Passenger infrastructure is also being upgraded at a large scale under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with 101 stations across West Bengal being redeveloped at an estimated cost of around ₹3,600 crore. Nine stations have already been completed, reflecting the ongoing efforts to modernise railway facilities and provide improved amenities to travellers.
Significant investments are being made to further strengthen the railway network in the state. Railway projects worth approximately ₹93,000 crore are currently under various stages of implementation in West Bengal, covering new lines, station redevelopment, safety initiatives and capacity enhancement works. The annual railway budget allocation for the state has also increased substantially, rising from ₹4,380 crore during 2009–14 to ₹14,205 crore in 2026–27.
West Bengal also plays a strategic role in India’s railway network as a key transit corridor connecting the Northeast with the rest of the country. Rail routes passing through the state serve as vital links for passengers and freight moving between northeastern states and major population centres across northern and western India. Strengthening infrastructure, signalling systems and capacity on these routes therefore benefits not only West Bengal but also the wider northeastern region that depends on these corridors.
Through these initiatives, Indian Railways continues to focus on expanding connectivity, improving passenger experience and building a more efficient and modern railway network that supports regional growth and national integration.