Source: https://www.sarkaritel.com/minister-of-railways-dedicated-to-the-nation-inaugurated-various-railway-projects-in-west-bengal-flagged-off-new-train-services/
Publisher: Sarkaritel.com
- Dedication of extension of 5 platforms of Sealdah station to run more 12-coach EMU locals accommodating 3 lakh additional passengers daily
- Commencement of passenger services over Nashipur Railway bridge establishing connecting rail link between both sides of the Bhagirathi river
Kolkata, October 3, 2024: Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology joined a Railway programme at Sealdah station today (2.10.2024) wherein he dedicated to the Nation the extension of 5 platforms (Platform No. 1 to 5) of Sealdah station to accommodate 12-coach EMU local trains, creating accommodation for 3 lakh additional passengers daily with more EMU locals being augmented from 9 coach to 12-coach rake.
Vaishnaw, Railway Minister also commenced passenger train services over Nashipur Railway Bridge in Murshidabad district of West Bengal establishing connective rail link between both sides of the Bhagirathi river fulfilling the long cherished desire of the people of West Bengal. The Railway Minister has flagged off (through video conferencing) Azimganj – Cossimbazar MEMU train and Krishnanagar – Azimganj passenger train to mark the beginning of passenger train services over this newly built Nashipur Railway bridge.
Railway Minister also inaugurated Rail Coach Restaurant at Sealdah, and flagged off (through video conferencing) Radhikapur – Anand Vihar Terminal Express train.
The Rail Coach Restaurant inaugurated at Sealdah station will bring a new experience for the passengers regarding rail themed restaurant with aesthetically pleasing interiors and delicious food. The Radhikapur – Anand Vihar Terminal Express marks a significant milestone as it establishes the first direct connection between Radhikapur in Uttar Dinajpur district and Delhi. This service will provide affordable, faster travel option for residents in the far reaches of West Bengal, benefitting students, patients, traders and common people from surrounding district like Malda in West Bengal and Katihar in Bihar.
Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Railways also visited the exhibition of old movie posters in display at Sealdah depicting the Indian movies which were filmed over Indian Railways at some portions and also visited the OSOP (One Station One Product) stall at Sealdah station from where the Minister has purchased indigenous products by paying the price through digital payment system.
The Minister of Railways also urged the State Government to extend cooperation for 61 Railway projects in West Bengal which are pending due to land related bottlenecks. Only with the cooperation of the State Government can solve these problems towards completion of these long pending 61 projects which are required to be completed as soon as possible for the development of West Bengal and for the benefit of the people of West Bengal.
The Minister of Railways also mentioned that the Union Government is ready with the funds for investment in Railway projects. But the State Government should come forward to join hands towards development initiatives in West Bengal. Further, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Railways mentioned that Union Government is committed to shoulder the responsibility of bringing development in West Bengal and change the Railways scenario of West Bengal.
Indian Railways is rapidly advancing towards greater transformation. In this spirit, Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is spearheading several infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing rail transportation for the people of West Bengal. One such notable project is the extension of platforms 1 to 5 at Sealdah station is to enable the accommodation of twelve coach EMU trains towards enabling all the 21 platforms of Sealdah station to deal with 12-coach EMU locals.
After its dedication, more suburban EMU services over the Sealdah division will make 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. Union Minister of Railways flagged off Sealdah – Ranaghat EMU train with 12-coach rake from Sealdah station as a mark of the augmented capacity of Sealdah station for running all 12-coach EMU trains.
Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Railways also flagged off 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. The new services marks the beginning of passenger train movement over Nashipur Railway bridge which also opens up additional route for establishing Railway connectivity between north & south Bengal.
These new train services are set to enhance connectivity in the region. The remarkable advancements in West Bengal’s rail infrastructure reflect a deep commitment to strengthening direct connectivity and fostering regional growth.
