In a significant push to enhance connectivity and infrastructure in the northern regions, the Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi recently inaugurated and dedicated a series of rail and road sector projects valued at over Rs. 4,500 crores from Siliguri, along with two railway projects from Jorhat, West Bengal, totaling Rs. 1,328 crores.
Image Credit (representational): MoR
More Details:
The Prime Minister dedicated to the nation multiple electrification projects of 438.77 km of rail lines benefiting people of North Bengal and nearby regions. The projects include Eklakhi – Balurghat section; Barsoi – Radhikapur section; Raninagar Jalpaiguri – Haldibari section; Siliguri – Aluabari section via Bagdogra and Siliguri – Sivok – Alipurduar Jn. – Samuktala (including Alipurduar Jn. – New Cooch Behar) section.
Other Railway Projects in Brief:
- The other important railway projects included the project for doubling of railway line in Manigram – Nimtita section and automatic block signalling in Ambari Falakata – Aluabari including electronic Interlocking in New Jalpaiguri.
Image Credit (representational): MoR
- He also flagged off a new passenger train service between Siliguri and Radhikapur.
- Doubling of railway lines in this section will facilitate movement of coal rakes to the thermal power plants.
- These rail projects will improve rail connectivity, facilitate freight movement and contribute to employment generation and economic growth in the region.
Image Credit (representational): MoR
PM Stated:
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister underlined that the Northern part of West Bengal is the gateway to the Northeast and also provides trade channels with neighbouring countries. He emphasised the need for modernised rail and road infrastructure and mentioned the completion of work on the electrification of rail lines which will increase the speed of trains in the areas of North and South Dinajpur, Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri districts, while the Siliguri – Samuktala route will reduce pollution in the nearing forest areas. Flagging off of new train service between Radhikapur and Siliguri, will give momentum to new possibilities of development and make lives easier for the common people. The introduction of the Mitali Express between New Jalpaiguri to Dhaka Cantt, rail connectivity with Bangladesh has started and both the Govt of India and Bangladesh have emphasised for further enhancement of such connectivity up to Radhikapur.
Earlier Inauguration:
- PM dedicated to the nation two railway doubling projects of 70.59 km rail lines from Jorhat in Assam. Doubling of Dhupdhara – Chhaygaon section, part of New Bongaigaon – Goalpara – Kamakhya doubling project and doubling of New Bongaigaon – Sorbhog section, part of New Bongaigaon – Rangiya–Agthori doubling project were dedicated to the nation.
Image Credit (representational): MoR
- These projects have been completed at a cost of Rs. 1328 crores. These projects will help in decongestion of both rail sections and help in smooth movement of train services. Socio-Economic growth of people of the region will also get a huge boost due to increase in freight train movement.
The comprehensive suite of projects inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi represents a transformative stride towards reinforcing the infrastructural backbone of North Bengal and Assam, promising a brighter, more connected future for the inhabitants of these pivotal regions.
Source: NFR – Press Release | Featured Image Credit: MoR
