Kolkata, Oct 3 (FN Agency) Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday dedicated to the nation the extension of five platforms to accommodate 12-coach EMU (Electric Multiple Unit) local trains at Sealdah station, one of the busiest stations in the country. This upgrade will increase the station’s capacity by enabling an additional three lakh passengers to travel daily, as more EMU trains are upgraded from 9-coach to 12-coach rakes, providing greater convenience for suburban commuters. He also unveiled passenger train services over the newly commissioned Nashipur Railway Bridge in Murshidabad district. This bridge links a vital connection between both sides of the Bhagirathi River, fulfilling the long-standing demand of the local residents. To mark the occasion, Vaishnaw flagged off the Sealdah-Ranaghat EMU,Azimganj-Cossimbazar MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) train and the Krishnanagar-Azimganj passenger train via video conferencing. Additionally, he inaugurated the Radhikapur–Anand Vihar Terminal Express, establishing the first direct rail connection between Radhikapur in Uttar Dinajpur district, West Bengal, and Delhi.
This new service will significantly benefit students, patients, traders, and residents from the surrounding districts, including Malda in West Bengal and Katihar in Bihar. Vaishnaw also inaugurated a Rail Coach Restaurant at Sealdah, bringing the charm of railway-themed decor combined with delectable cuisine for passengers. He also visited an exhibition of old movie posters on display at Sealdah, which depicted scenes from iconic Indian films shot on Indian Railways. Vaishnaw also visited the One Station One Product (OSOP) stall at Sealdah and purchased indigenous products using a digital payment system, promoting local entrepreneurship. The Minister took the opportunity to highlight the tremendous progress made in Kolkata Metro’s expansion. He stated that between 1972 and 2014, only 28 km of Kolkata Metro track length was developed. However, in the last decade, from 2014 to 2024, an additional 38 km has been laid, showcasing the government’s commitment to enhancing the Metro network in the state.
Further, he mentioned the operation of nine Vande Bharat Express trains in the state, marking a new era of high-speed rail connectivity for the people of West Bengal. He also acknowledged the Government’s substantial increase in budgetary allocation for railway development in West Bengal, reflecting the “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas” vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Urging the state government to cooperate in resolving land-related issues, Vaishnaw pointed out that 61 railway projects in West Bengal are currently pending due to land acquisition challenges. He reiterated that the Union Government is prepared to invest in these projects, but cooperation from the state government is essential to achieve timely completion.