Eastern Railway and South Eastern Railway to connect at Masagram under Gati Shakti initiative

The recent development marks the provision of a crucial connection between the South Eastern Railway and Eastern Railway at Masagram, in alignment with the Gati Shakti initiative.

More Details:

In a significant stride towards enhancing connectivity and efficiency in the Indian Railways network, a pivotal inspection was conducted by Divisional Railway Manager Shri Sanjeev Kumar along with Branch Officers at Masagram Station.

This station, situated in Purba Barddhaman district, West Bengal, serves Masagram and its surrounding villages and is a crucial node o­n the Howrah–Barddhaman chord of the Kolkata Suburban Railway network.

This strategic integration is poised to streamline operations and facilitate seamless movement of trains, thereby benefiting passengers and bolstering the efficiency of freight transportation.

The Bankura–Masagram line is a Railway line that connects the town of Bankura in West Bengal to Masagram, a junction station also located in West Bengal. This rail line serves as a crucial part of the Indian Railways network in the region. It has facilitated improved connectivity between different parts of West Bengal and has also enhanced the connectivity of these regions to other parts of India.

Key Highlights:

Improved Connectivity:

  • After the construction of a connecting line between the Howrah-Burdwan chord line and the Bankura-Masagram branch line, passengers no longer have to change trains for the Bankura route.
  • In the future, it will be possible to introduce a new direct train service from Howrah to Bankura, saving precious time and money for passengers. This improved connectivity has had positive effects o­n both passenger and freight transportation. The expense of this train project is estimated to be a minimum of 40 crores.

Junction Station:

The construction of this Railway line will result in Masagram becoming a junction station. A junction station is a significant Railway station where multiple Railway lines intersect, allowing for the convenient transfer of passengers and the efficient movement of trains between various routes.

Economic Impact:

The construction of Railway lines like the Bankura–Masagram line has a positive impact o­n the local and regional economies. It facilitates the transportation of goods, raw materials, and agricultural produce, contributing to economic growth in the areas it serves.

Infrastructure Development:

The construction of Railway lines involves significant infrastructure development, including laying tracks, building stations, and ensuring safety measures are in place. These investments have a long-term impact o­n the transportation sector.

Purpose:

  • The connecting line is just o­ne example of the many Railway projects undertaken by Indian Railways to expand and modernise its network, which plays a vital role in connecting different regions of the country and supporting economic development.
  • Historically, the construction of the Bankura–Masagram line elevated Masagram to the status of a junction station, further emphasising its strategic importance within the Railway network.
  • This initiative is a testament to the commitment of Indian Railways in modernising and fortifying the country’s transportation infrastructure, contributing to the nation’s progress and economic growth.

Source: Eastern Railway- Press Release | Image Credit (representational): Southern Railway