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New Delhi : Union Railways, Commerce & Industry and Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Minister Piyush Goyal on February 21, 2021, dedicated to the Nation various infrastructure development and passenger amenity related works in North Bengal area through video conferencing. Ms. Debasree Chaudhuri, Minister of State for Women & Child Development, Govt. of India, was also present along with other dignitaries at various locations.
Speaking on the occasion, Goyal said, “Railways is serving the nation in an extraordinary way. It has taken up on itself to contribute big time to the mission of Sonar Bangla. Railways would be fully electrified in 3 years in West Bengal and all on going projects will be completed at the earliest.” He also added that North Bengal is beautiful naturally; development of this region would attract more tourists. Indian Railways is committed for holistic development of the region, he added.
126 Route Kilometer newly electrified section from New Jalpaiguri to New Coochbehar dedicated to Nation on February 21 is part of the Railway electrification work going on to achieve 100% electrification of Indian Railways’ network. This section is vital for train movement towards northeastern states. With electrification making steady progress in this area, more trains carrying freights and passengers can be operated in an environment friendly manner with less carbon – emission. This project costing about Rs 287 crore will lead to huge savings in consumption of fossil fuels. It may be mentioned here that railway electrification of the whole of N F Railway was sanctioned in the budget of 2018 and it is targeted to be completed by December, 2023, according to a PIB release.
The Haldibari station bordering Bangladesh has been constructed considering the need of future economic development of this area. The new station has 3 passenger platforms with 26 coach capacity and 2 goods line. The entire construction of the new station building at Haldibari along with other works like construction of new circulating area, running rooms, signaling system, was constructed at a cost of about Rs 82.72 crs. Electronic Interlocking at Haldibari and Jalpaiguri stations have also been provided to enhance safety of train operations in this section.
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the railway link between Haldibari in India and Chilahati in Bangladesh during the PM level virtual bilateral summit on December 17, 2020.
Gangarampur is an important town in the South Dinajpur district of West Bengal. The station here has been converted into a crossing station with provision of High level platform and modern Electronic Interlocking at a cost of about Rs 9.09 crore, which fulfilled a long standing demand of the local populace.
With an aim to provide better amenities and convenience to passenger, Alipurduar Jn station has been re-developed to meet the operational requirement. The New Station building with improved aesthetics in pursuant to local culture was built at a cost of Rs. 8.11 crore.
Construction of two new lifts for use of passenger at the Alipurduar Jn station, built at a cost of about Rs. 80.8 lakh, will prove to be very helpful for passengers especially Senior citizen and Divyangs to move from platform – 1, 2 & 3 to other platforms.
Madarihat station falling in the Dooars section of North Bengal is an important tourist place. The provision of a new Foot Over Bridge between PF No. 1 & 2 which has been provided at a cost of Rs 1.13 crore will provide safe passage to passengers for boarding / de-boarding trains stopping at PF 2 of the station.
Indian Railway is installing high mast flags at all important stations throughout the country. One such high mast flag installed at the New Coochbehar station has also been dedicated to the Nation.