Good news for passengers: Indian Railways approves 3 projects for West Bengal; new Jaipur train, Siliguri line upgrade cleared

Good news for passengers: Passengers in West Bengal may soon get better train connectivity and smoother rail operations as Indian Railways has approved three major railway projects for the state. The approvals include a new train service between Kolkata and Jaipur, doubling of an important railway line near Siliguri and a survey for a third railway line project aimed at increasing rail capacity.

The approvals were communicated by Ashwini Vaishnaw to Suvendu Adhikari, according to official letters. The projects are expected to improve passenger movement, strengthen railway infrastructure and reduce congestion on key routes in North Bengal and other busy rail corridors.

New Kolkata–Jaipur train approved

One of the biggest announcements is approval for operation of the new 18061/18062 Santragachi–Khatipura Express. The train will run between Kolkata (Santragachi) and Jaipur (Khatipura) via Kharagpur.

The new service is expected to provide another long-distance travel option for passengers travelling between West Bengal and Rajasthan for tourism, business, education and family visits. Railway officials said the train will improve direct rail connectivity between eastern and western India and help ease pressure on existing routes.

New Jalpaiguri–Siliguri railway line doubling cleared

Indian Railways has also approved doubling of the New Jalpaiguri–Siliguri railway line covering around 7.15 km. The route is considered one of the most important rail corridors in North Bengal because it handles heavy passenger and freight traffic, including trains heading towards the North-East.

Officials said the line doubling project is expected to improve train movement, reduce congestion and delays, increase operational efficiency and support smoother passenger services. The project is also likely to improve connectivity for passengers travelling to North Bengal, Sikkim and neighbouring North-Eastern states.

Shalwani–Adra third railway line survey gets nod

Another major approval is for the Final Location Survey (FLS) and preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for construction of the 107-km Shalwani–Adra third railway line.

The proposed third line is aimed at increasing rail capacity and supporting growing passenger and freight traffic in the region. Railway officials said approval of the survey is an important first step before project execution and future expansion work.

How these railway projects will help passengers

According to railway officials, the newly approved projects are expected to improve rail connectivity across West Bengal, reduce congestion on busy routes, increase line capacity for trains and improve punctuality and operational efficiency.

The projects are also expected to support faster movement of goods and improve connectivity between North Bengal and other regions, benefiting both passengers and freight operations.

What CM Suvendu Adhikari said

Welcoming the approvals, Suvendu Adhikari said infrastructure development and railway expansion would play a major role in strengthening connectivity and economic growth in the state.

He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for supporting railway infrastructure projects in West Bengal. The Chief Minister said the state government is working to improve connectivity, transport infrastructure and implementation of major development projects across sectors.

Ayushman Bharat, border fencing among key decisions in West Bengal

Apart from railway projects, the West Bengal government has also announced implementation of Ayushman Bharat in the state, transfer of land to the BSF for India–Bangladesh border fencing and rollout of major central welfare schemes.

The government said district administrations have been directed to speed up implementation of infrastructure and welfare projects across the state.

What it means for passengers?

For passengers, the railway approvals could mean better train connectivity, more travel options between states, reduced delays and improved rail infrastructure in North Bengal and other regions.

The projects are part of a broader push to strengthen railway infrastructure and improve passenger convenience across West Bengal.