Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw visited Kolkata on June 6, 2026, to review transport facilities. During his visit, he travelled via Metro and auto to understand the passenger experience. The Minister announced a major expansion of the Kolkata Metro network and other railway infrastructure projects for West Bengal.
What are the new announcements for Kolkata Metro and Railways?
The Railway Minister announced that 60 new generation trains will be added to the Kolkata Metro network over the next five years. To improve the North-South corridor, the Indian Railways approved works worth ₹671.72 crore on May 2, 2026. This update will allow metros to run every 2.5 minutes, reducing waiting time for passengers.
What are the major railway projects planned for West Bengal?
The central government is implementing railway development projects worth over ₹1 lakh crore in the state. These projects focus on improving station facilities and connectivity across West Bengal.
| Project Type | Details/Quantity |
|---|---|
| Amrit Bharat Stations | 102 stations |
| Flyovers and Underpasses | 538 units |
| New Railway Projects | 61 projects |
| Bullet Train Corridor | Proposed Delhi-Varanasi and Varanasi-Siliguri |
What happened during the high-level meeting at Nabanna?
Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw met Chief Minister Suvendu Officer at Nabanna to review pending rail works. The Minister noted that while the metro expanded only 28 km in the first 42 years, 45 km of new lines were commissioned since 2014. Chief Minister Officer assured the center of full cooperation regarding land acquisition for these projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many new trains will be added to Kolkata Metro?
The Railway Minister announced that 60 new generation trains will be added to the Kolkata Metro network within the next five years.
What is the budget for railway development in West Bengal?
The central government is implementing railway development projects worth more than ₹1 lakh crore in West Bengal, including 102 Amrit Bharat stations.