Kolkata, 04 September (H.S.): After nearly two decades of waiting, Nandigram may finally get its long-awaited rail connectivity. Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari has claimed that train services from Nandigram will commence by March 2027, once the Deshapran-Nandigram railway project is completed. He also announced that he would travel on the first train along with the people of Nandigram.

Speaking at a government programme held at the Rayapara Shiv Mandir ground, the Chief Minister said a railway line of around 17 kilometres is planned from Deshapran to Haripur in Nandigram. The project has remained stalled for years due to land-related complications.

According to Adhikari, the main hurdle involved around 6.5 acres of land. Of this, approximately 3.5 acres have already been handed over for the railway project, while the process of transferring the remaining three acres is expected to be completed soon.

The Chief Minister also criticised the previous government over the delay in the project. He alleged that after former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee lost the Nandigram Assembly seat in the 2021 elections, no effective initiative was taken to move the railway project forward. Adhikari said his government had taken steps to resolve the land-related issues after coming to power.

He further said that efforts were being made to expedite the project through regular communication with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. According to the Chief Minister, the Railway Ministry has also shown interest in taking the project forward.

The proposed rail connectivity is expected to reduce Nandigram's dependence on road transport and improve access to Kolkata and other parts of the state. Connectivity with Tamluk and Digha is also likely to become easier, while travel for education, healthcare and business could become more convenient. The railway link is also expected to provide a boost to tourism in the region.

The Chief Minister's announcement has renewed expectations among residents of Nandigram. However, the March 2027 target will depend on the timely transfer of the remaining land and the pace of infrastructure and railway construction work.

For residents who have waited nearly 20 years for rail connectivity, the key question now is whether the first train will indeed roll out of Nandigram by March 2027.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh