In a significant development for West Bengal's transportation infrastructure, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a substantial budgetary allocation of Rs 14,205 crore for the state during the 2026-27 fiscal year. The announcement was made during a virtual press conference held on Monday, marking a pivotal moment for rail connectivity in eastern India.
Massive Increase in Railway Funding for Bengal
Minister Vaishnaw highlighted the dramatic increase in railway funding for Bengal, comparing it to historical allocations. "Against the average allocation of Rs 4,380 crore during the period from 2009 to 2014, a whopping Rs 14,205 crore was allocated for Bengal, reflecting the continued focus on strengthening rail infrastructure in the state," the minister stated emphatically. This represents more than a threefold increase in railway investment, underscoring the government's commitment to modernizing Bengal's rail network.
Historic Bullet Train Corridor Announcement
The most groundbreaking revelation from the press conference was the introduction of India's first bullet train corridor connecting Varanasi and Siliguri via Patna. This high-speed rail project promises to revolutionize connectivity across eastern India, significantly reducing travel times between these important cities.
"I want to congratulate Bengal — it will get the country's first bullet train, from Siliguri to Varanasi via Patna. PM Narendra Modi introduced a dozen new trains for Bengal in the last year. More than 100 trains were given to the state earlier," Vaishnaw declared during the virtual event. This announcement positions Bengal at the forefront of India's high-speed rail revolution.
Comprehensive Railway Development for Eastern India
The budgetary allocation and bullet train announcement form part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance railway infrastructure across eastern India. The high-speed corridor between Varanasi and Siliguri via Patna will facilitate the running of bullet trains and dramatically improve connectivity in a region that has historically received less infrastructure investment.
This development follows a pattern of increased railway attention to Bengal, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi having introduced twelve new trains for the state in the previous year alone, in addition to more than 100 trains allocated earlier. The cumulative effect represents a transformative approach to Bengal's transportation landscape.
Senior Railway Officials Present
The virtual press conference saw participation from key railway officials, including Milind Deouskar, General Manager of Eastern Railway, and Anil Kumar Mishra, General Manager of South-Eastern Railway. Both officials were present at their respective headquarters during Minister Vaishnaw's announcement, indicating the coordinated approach to implementing these ambitious railway projects across Bengal and eastern India.
The substantial budget allocation and historic bullet train announcement signal a new era for railway development in West Bengal, with potential benefits including improved connectivity, economic growth, and enhanced transportation options for millions of residents across the region.
