Rs 60000 Crore Investment Opportunity in West Bengal Railways Announced by Minister Vaishnaw

Rs 60000 Crore Investment Opportunity in West Bengal Railways Announced by Minister Vaishnaw

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed a substantial investment opportunity of Rs 60000 crore in West Bengal's railway sector during a recent event at Sealdah station. This announcement comes as the minister highlighted that 61 critical railway projects are currently pending in the state, primarily due to issues related to land acquisition and handover.

Speaking to reporters, Vaishnaw emphasized the need for the state government, led by the Trinamool Congress (TMC), to move beyond political considerations to facilitate these investments. He stated, “The completion of these projects requires the TMC government to rise above politics. If the state government cooperates, these projects can be expedited for the sake of the people.”

Among the stalled initiatives, Vaishnaw mentioned that 26 kilometers of Metro railway projects are unable to progress due to land-related issues, further complicating the region’s transport infrastructure development. The minister called for a collaborative approach to ensure these projects reach fruition, which he believes will significantly benefit local communities.

Vaishnaw also highlighted the increased allocation for railway development in West Bengal, noting that it has tripled to Rs 13941 crore compared to an average of Rs 4380 crore in previous years, including during the tenure of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and former Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee.

During the event, he referenced recent developments under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, including the expansion of the Kolkata Metro network from 28 kilometers in 2014 to 38 kilometers today. This growth marks a significant enhancement in urban transportation, contributing to better connectivity and convenience for residents.

Addressing the pressing issue of railway safety, Vaishnaw announced the completion of the Kavach 4.2 system, a crucial technology aimed at preventing accidents. This system has been implemented in key regions, including Kota and Sawai Madhopur, covering nearly 2000 kilometers of railway tracks and 900 locomotives. Vaishnaw assured the public that this technological advancement has achieved the highest safety certifications from international third-party agencies.

He also pointed out that the Indian Railways conducts thorough investigations into all accidents to identify and rectify systemic and structural issues. This proactive approach has led to a dramatic decrease in railway accidents—down from 171 annually a decade ago to just 40 last year. Furthermore, the rate of derailments has plummeted from an average of 450-500 under the UPA government to around 80 in recent years. This notable reduction is attributed to advancements in technology, improved maintenance practices, and enhanced training for railway personnel.

In conclusion, Minister Vaishnaw reiterated the importance of prioritizing development and ensuring that politics do not hinder progress in the railway sector. With significant investment opportunities on the horizon, he urged the state government to collaborate for the benefit of West Bengal’s residents and the overall enhancement of the railway infrastructure.