Source: https://www.etnownews.com/infrastructure/big-boost-to-rail-infra-in-west-bengal-ashwini-vaishnaw-dedicates-several-projects-including-new-trains-article-113895054
Publisher: ET Now
Rail Projects in West Bengal: With the beginning of Durga Puja celebrations in West Bengal, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw gave a gift by inaugurating several rail projects including the launches of new trains. The move will further boost transportation and connectivity in the state and enhance the passenger experience while travelling.
Ashwini Vaishnaw in West Bengal
On Tuesday, Vaishnaw dedicated visited Sealdah railway station to inaugurate and dedicate a series of rail projects. This includes the extension of platforms, the launch of passenger train services, rail coach restaurants, etc. Vaishnaw added that there is a Rs 60,000-crore investment opportunity by the railways in West Bengal.
He highlighted that 61 rail projects are pending due to land-related bottlenecks and sought the cooperation of the State Government. The Union Minister further mentioned that 9 Vande Bharat Express trains are running in the state embarking on a new era of high-speed rail connectivity.
Extension of Sealdah station
The Railway Minister dedicated the extension of 5 platforms (Platform No. 1 to 5) of Sealdah station to accommodate 12-coach EMU local trains. This will enable all the 21 platforms of Sealdah station to deal with 12-coach EMU locals. more suburban EMU services over the Sealdah division will make the transition from 9 to 12-coach services, providing more capacity to the tune of additional accommodation capacity for 3 lakh passengers daily and ensuring comfortable journeys for suburban passengers.
Launch of new trains in West Bengal
Vaishnaw flagged off the Sealdah-Ranaghat EMU train with a 12-coach rake from Sealdah station as a mark of the augmented capacity of Sealdah station for running all 12-coach EMU trains. He also flagged off the Azimganj – Cossimbazar MEMU train, Krishnanagar city – Azimganj passenger train opening new rail connectivity across the Bhagirathi river, and Radhikapur – Anand Vihar Terminal Express fulfilling the desire of the local people.
These new train services mark the beginning of passenger train movement over Nashipur Railway bridge which also opens up additional routes for establishing Railway connectivity between north and south Bengal.
New rail coach restaurant
He also inaugurated the Rail Coach Restaurant at Sealdah station. This will bring a new experience for the passengers regarding rail rail-themed restaurant with aesthetically pleasing interiors and delicious food.
