Kolkata, 31 January (H.S.): The Ministry of Railways has revived four new rail line projects aimed at strengthening rail connectivity in the North 24 Parganas and Nadia districts of West Bengal. A statement issued by the railways on Saturday morning provided this information. These projects include the Bongaon–Poramaheshtala, Bongaon–Chandabazar, Chandabazar–Bagdah, and Ranaghat (Aranghata)–Dattapulia new rail lines. Their objective is to accelerate regional socio-economic development.

Strategically, these rail projects will strengthen connectivity near the Indo-Bangladesh border, thereby enhancing national security. They will also boost trade linked to the Petrapole Land Port and facilitate faster and cheaper transportation of agricultural products. This is expected to directly benefit local farmers, traders, and small entrepreneurs.

The Bongaon–Chandabazar (11.5 km) and Bongaon–Poramaheshtala (20 km) new lines will connect the Bongaon area to the surrounding rural areas and the Kalyani region. These projects will involve the construction of major and minor bridges, as well as new platforms, sheds, foot overbridges, ticket counters, and station buildings, providing modern amenities to passengers.

The Chandabazar–Bagdah (13.8 km) new rail line will connect the predominantly agricultural border area to the rail network, running parallel to the state highway. The introduction of high-speed EMU services here will improve access to trade, education, employment, and healthcare services, thereby raising the standard of living in rural areas.

The Ranaghat (Aranghata)–Dattapulia (8.17 km) project will be a boon for densely populated rural areas that currently lack direct rail connectivity. This new line will reduce travel time and alleviate pressure on road traffic.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey