Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has approved three major railway projects to improve the rail network in West Bengal. The decision aims to make travel easier for passengers and strengthen connectivity across the state. The Rail Minister informed Chief Minister Shubhendu Officer about these developments through an official letter on May 15, 2026.
What are the 3 major railway projects approved for West Bengal?
The Ministry of Railways has given the green light to several key infrastructure and service updates. These include the doubling of lines and the introduction of a new long-distance train to benefit the public.
| Project Name | Details |
|---|---|
| New Jalpaiguri to Siliguri Line | Doubling of approximately 7.15 km rail line to improve North Bengal connectivity |
| Santragachi-Khatipura Express | New train 18061/18062 to run between Kolkata (Santragachi) and Jaipur via Kharagpur |
| Shalbani to Adra Third Line | Approval for Final Location Survey (FLS) for a 107 km third railway line |
Other rail developments and metro updates in the state
Apart from the three main projects, the ministry is exploring more connectivity options. A survey for a new line from Digha to Tajpur and a feasibility study for a line from Kanthi to Jhargram have been approved. Additionally, a Final Location Survey for a 107 km line from Tamluk to Digha is underway.
In a significant move for urban commuters, the long-pending metro connection work at Chingrighata in Kolkata started on Friday night. This project had been stalled for three years during the previous government administration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which new train is starting from Kolkata to Jaipur?
The 18061/18062 Santragachi-Khatipura Express will run between Kolkata (Santragachi) and Jaipur via Kharagpur.
What is the update on the Kolkata Metro at Chingrighata?
The pending metro connection work at Chingrighata in Kolkata has started as of Friday night after a three-year delay.