Kolkata: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday announced that multiple railway infrastructure projects worth more than ₹1 lakh crore have received approval in West Bengal, a move expected to strengthen suburban and long-distance rail connectivity across the state and accelerate several pending track development works.
During his visit to Kolkata, Vaishnaw travelled on the Metro from Jai Hind Station to Noapara Station, interacting with commuters to gather feedback on passenger services. He also announced that around 60 new-generation Metro trains would be added to the Kolkata Metro network over the next four to five years, aimed at modernising services and improving urban transportation in the city.
Speaking about the Chingrighata Metro project, the Railway Minister said the project had faced prolonged legal hurdles, with the matter reaching the Supreme Court before work was finally allowed to proceed. He noted that both the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court had ruled in favour of continuing the project.
Vaishnaw further said he had requested West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to jointly review all ongoing railway projects in the state to ensure their timely execution and completion.
Reacting to the developments, Adhikari described the discussions with the Railway Minister as highly productive and focused entirely on accelerating railway infrastructure development in West Bengal. In a post on X, he said the approvals would significantly improve suburban and main-line rail connectivity across North and South Bengal while helping fast-track pending railway works.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the modernisation of major railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Scheme, saying the upgrades would provide world-class facilities to passengers and enhance the overall travel experience. He added that the projects, involving investments worth thousands of crores of rupees, would generate substantial employment opportunities and contribute significantly to the state’s economic growth.
Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Adhikari said coordinated efforts between the Centre and the state would ensure the smooth implementation of the projects for the benefit of the people of West Bengal.
