New bridges, trains to transform poll-bound West Bengal's connectivity – See details

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Vaishnaw stated that these projects represent a significant step toward strengthening rail infrastructure, enhancing safety, and improving regional connectivity in West Bengal and adjoining areas.

He highlighted that this year, a record budget allocation of ₹14,205 crore has been earmarked for railways in West Bengal, more than three times the average allocation during 2009–2014.

Vaishnaw also noted that the Hon’ble Prime Minister has recently initiated over a dozen new trains to enhance connectivity for the people of West Bengal. The first Vande Bharat Sleeper train has begun operations in the state, reflecting the visionary ‘Purvoday’ initiative aimed at developing the region.

Further, the Minister announced that the first Bullet Train for West Bengal, starting from Siliguri, has been approved in this year’s Rail Budget. An East-West freight corridor connecting West Bengal with Gujarat has also been sanctioned. Additionally, plans are underway to construct an underground rail corridor at the strategic Chicken-Neck region of North Bengal to ensure safe and secure transportation.

Siuri Road Over Bridge

The newly constructed Road Over Bridge near Level Crossing No. 22B/T at Siuri Railway Station was completed at a project cost of ₹42 crore. The bridge will:

Eliminate long waiting times at the level crossing

Ensure faster, safer, and smoother travel for residents of Siuri and adjoining areas

Reduce congestion around Siuri station

Facilitate uninterrupted movement of emergency vehicles

The bridge is expected to significantly enhance daily mobility for students, workers, and local commuters.

Kumarpur Road Over Bridge

Another major infrastructure addition is the Kumarpur Road Over Bridge, constructed at a cost of ₹55 crore, replacing Level Crossing No. 1Spl/E between Barachak and Hirapur Yard Line.

Located on the important GT Road corridor, the bridge:

Serves as a key link between Asansol city, large parts of Paschim Bardhaman district, and Jharkhand

Facilitates faster and smoother movement of trade and traffic within and beyond the state

Enhances safety on a heavily used route

Reduces congestion around Asansol, improving daily commuting for residents

Asansol–Bokaro Train Service

On the same occasion, the new train service between Asansol and Bokaro Steel City was flagged off, strengthening connectivity between two major steel hubs.

The train service, running via Paschim Bardhaman and Purulia districts in West Bengal and Bokaro district in Jharkhand, will benefit industrial workers, daily commuters, and local residents. The regular run of 63592/63591 Asansol–Bokaro Steel City–Asansol MEMU Passenger will commence from 10 February 2026, enhancing both intra-state and inter-state mobility while supporting regional economic and social connectivity.

Ongoing Railway Development in West Bengal

Minister Vaishnaw added that railway projects worth approximately ₹92,000 crore are ongoing in West Bengal, signaling a transformative push in infrastructure, safety, and regional connectivity across the state.