Railways to implement Rs 1 lakh crore worth investment in Bengal, says CM Suvendu Adhikari
Kolkata, June 6
Indian Railways is set to implement Rs 1,00,000 crore worth of railways infrastructure projects in the coming days, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Saturday after a meeting with the Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at the current State Secretariat Nabanna.
"Following the implementation of the Rs 1,00,000 crore worth of railways infrastructure project, each and every district in the state will be adequately connected through the railways network. During the previous (Trinamool Congress) regime, the state government was always in a battle-mode with the Union government, following which many railway infrastructure projects were not implemented in time. But those days are over and the railway infrastructure projects will be implemented at a much faster pace," the Chief Minister added while speaking to the media persons after the meeting.
According to Chief Minister Adhikari, the Indian Railways Board and the Railway Minister had sent several reminders to the previous Mamata Banerjee-led state government regarding implementation of the pending railway projects.
"But the previous Chief Minister (Mamata Banerjee) did not respond. Despite that, during the last five years, Rs 4,380 crore were allocated for Metro and various rail projects in West Bengal. An allocation of Rs 14,205 crore has been made for the Financial Year 2026-27. This time, work worth Rs 1,00,000 crore will be implemented," the Chief Minister said.
He also added that 102 Amrit Bharat stations, 538 flyovers and underpasses will be built in West Bengal in the coming days.
"Wherever land is required, it will be given. So far, some districts of Bengal are not properly linked through the railway network. But now every place in West Bengal, including Karimpur, Tehatta, Jalangi, Gopiballabhpur, Nayagram and Hili will be included in the railway map. North Bengal, South Bengal and Jangalmahal will be included. There is no doubt that the common people will benefit from this," the Chief Minister said.
Earlier on Saturday, Railways Minister Vaishnaw said bullet train service will be introduced in West Bengal.
"This bullet train will start from New Delhi and will reach Siliguri in North Bengal via Lucknow, Varanasi and Patna. The entire distance will be covered in just six hours. Apart from that, 60 new train services will be introduced in the state in the next five years," he added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, this is great news for North Bengal connectivity. Siliguri to Delhi in 6 hours by bullet train will boost tourism and business. But why didn't the previous government cooperate? So many projects got delayed unnecessarily. Hopefully CM Suvendu Adhikari delivers on his promises. 🤞
I read similar promises before from other governments. Let's see if the tracks actually get laid or just remain on paper. Bengal needs better rail connectivity, especially the rural areas mentioned like Hili and Nayagram. Actions speak louder than press releases.
Yaar, 102 Amrit Bharat stations aur 538 flyovers - numbers bahut bade lagte hain. But ground reality mein implementation slow hota hai. At least ab state sarkar aur centre sarkar dono milkar kaam karein, tab fayda hoga. Urban areas ke liye to metro bhi badhiya hai.
One small correction - the article says CM Suvendu Adhikari, but the previous CM was Mamata Banerjee. Good to see the Chief Minister is working with the Centre now instead of fighting. Bengal's development was badly needed. Let's hope this investment doesn't get caught in red tape. 🚂
Finally some good news for Bengal! I'm from Karimpur and we've been waiting for rail connectivity since forever. But 1 lakh crore is a massive amount - we need proper oversight to ensure no corruption. Also, the bullet train to Siliguri via Varanasi and Patna will be a game changer for the region.
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