Ahead of polls, railway minister dedicates new projects to 'Sonar Bangla'

The Union Minister of Railways, Commerce & Industry and Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Piyush Goyal on Sunday, dedicated various infrastructure development and passenger amenity-related works in North Bengal area.

Speaking on the occasion, Goyal said, “Railways is serving the nation in an extraordinary way. Railways has taken up on itself to contribute big time to the mission of Sonar Bangla. Railways would be fully electrified in three years in West Bengal and all ongoing projects will be completed at the earliest.”

He added that North Bengal is beautiful naturally and the development of this region would attract more tourists. He added that the Indian Railways is committed for holistic development of the region.

Also Read: NFR to allow more stops on these 8 train routes: See full list here

Goyal also spoke about about Indian Railways’ priority of speeding up of existing projects and total electrification within next three years.

126-kilometer newly electrified section from New Jalpaiguri to New Coochbehar is also part of the Railways’ electrification work, which is going on to achieve 100% electrification of Indian Railways’ network.

“This section is vital for train movement towards north-eastern states. With electrification making steady progress in this area, more trains carrying freights and passengers can be operated in an environment friendly manner with less carbon emission. The project costing about Rs 287 crore will lead to huge savings in consumption of fossil fuels,” the NFR said in a statement.

It may be mentioned here that railway electrification of the whole of NF Railway was sanctioned in the budget of 2018 and it is targeted to be completed by December, 2023.

The Halibari station bordering Bangladesh has been constructed considering the need of future economic development of this area. The new station has three passenger platforms with 26 coach capacity and two goods line. The entire construction of the new station building at Haldibari along with other works like construction of new circulating area, running rooms, signaling system was constructed at a cost of about Rs 82.72 crore. Electronic interlocking at Haldibari and Jalpaiguri stations have also been provided to enhance safety of train operations in this section.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the railway link between Haldibari in India and Chilahati in Bangladesh during the PM-level virtual bilateral summit on December 17, 2020.

Also Read: NFR to run Kisan special trains to help farmers and transporters

Gangarampur is an important sub-divisional town in the South Dinajpur district of West Bengal. The station here has been converted to a crossing station with provision of High level platform and modern Electronic Interlocking at a cost of about Rs. 9.09 crore, which fulfilled a long standing demand of the local populace. Electronic Interlocking has also been provided at Jalpaiguri and Haldibari station for improved safety with increased speed.

With an aim to provide better amenities and convenience to passenger, the Alipurduar Jn station has been re-developed to meet the operational requirement. The New Station building with improved aesthetics in pursuant to local culture was built at a cost of Rs 8.11 crore. New lifts have also been provided which will help senior citizen and tourist visiting Dooars areas. One new Foot Over Bridge has also been provided at the Madarihat station falling in the Dooars area of North Bengal.

Goyal said the Indian Railway has been providing new amenities at stations and executing projects spread out throughout the country and thereby making it as a symbol of progress for development.