With the West Bengal Assembly Elections approaching, the Central Government is highlighting its massive infrastructure push in the railway sector. According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the annual budget allocation for West Bengal has jumped from ₹4,380 crore (2009-14) to ₹14,205 crore for 2026-27. Projects worth ₹93,000 crore are currently underway across the state.

Under the ‘Amrit Bharat Station’ scheme, 101 railway stations are being redeveloped into modern ‘City Centers’ with an investment of ₹3,600 crore. So far, nine stations, including Panagarh and Siuri, have been upgraded with world-class facilities like elevators, escalators, and food courts. The state has achieved 100% rail electrification, and 1,400 km of new tracks have been laid since 2014. To enhance safety, over 500 flyovers and underpasses have been constructed, and the ‘Kavach’ train protection system is being implemented. The introduction of 18 Vande Bharat and 22 Amrit Bharat trains has drastically improved connectivity, with more projects like the Belda-Dantan third line set for inauguration.