North Bengal Set for Major Rail Infrastructure Boost with High-Speed Corridor and New Lines
In a significant development for West Bengal's transportation infrastructure, the Union Budget 2026 has announced transformative rail projects for North Bengal, including a high-speed corridor and three new railway lines. This comes with a substantial allocation of Rs 2.81 lakh crore for the Railways sector, promising to revolutionize connectivity and economic prospects in the region.
Budget Announcement Brings High-Speed Rail to North Bengal
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, during her Budget speech on Sunday, unveiled plans for a high-speed rail corridor connecting Siliguri in West Bengal with Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. This announcement followed closely on the heels of the Ministry of Railways revealing three new railway line projects specifically for North Bengal, creating what industry experts are calling a "rail renaissance" for the region.
Mehul Mohanka, CII Eastern Region deputy chairman and Tega Industries Group CEO and MD, emphasized the transformative potential of these projects, stating, "The Varanasi-Siliguri high-speed rail and the Dankuni-Surat freight corridors will be game changers for the region."
Three Strategic New Rail Lines for Enhanced Connectivity
The three new railway lines announced for North Bengal are strategically positioned to address multiple challenges in the region:
- Raiganj–Dalkhola Line: Stretching 43.43 km at an estimated cost of Rs 291.53 crore, this will be the longest of the three projects. It will feature five stations and include 13 major bridges, six road over bridges, 97 minor bridges, and 32 road under bridges. Railway officials note this line will create a more efficient transit route between Dalkhola and Raiganj, significantly reducing travel time and boosting local trade.
- Gazole–Itahar Line: Covering 27.20 km with a budget of Rs 85.59 crore, this line will include three stations and involve construction of 12 major bridges and 37 minor bridges. It represents a crucial link in the regional rail network.
- Raiganj–Itahar Line: Spanning 22.16 km at a cost of Rs 129.34 crore, this project will feature four stations and require construction of six major bridges and 42 minor bridges. Officials expect it to strengthen the integrated gauge conversion network across northern West Bengal, facilitating smoother rail movement toward the Northeast.
Strategic and Socio-Economic Benefits
A senior railway official explained the comprehensive vision behind these projects: "The three new rail lines are aimed at improving connectivity, mobility, and socio-economic growth in the region, particularly in densely populated and border-adjacent areas." All three lines are strategically located in areas bordering Bangladesh, addressing both domestic connectivity needs and international border considerations.
The official further elaborated: "These three new line projects will provide alternative routes between Malda and Aluabari, significantly improving mobility in such a densely populated region of North Bengal, and will also increase rail activity adjacent to the international border area with Bangladesh."
Transformative Impact on Regional Development
According to railway authorities, the enhanced connectivity from these projects is expected to address strategic, logistical, and public utility needs while opening new avenues for development. The Railways specifically highlighted that the new rail lines will "significantly improve the socio-economic status of this region, mainly inhabited by weaker communities."
When combined with the Varanasi-Siliguri high-speed corridor, these infrastructure developments are seen as particularly transformative for North Bengal, with potential to dramatically improve connectivity, trade, and tourism in the region. The high-speed rail connection between the religious and cultural hub of Varanasi and the strategic gateway of Siliguri promises to create new economic corridors and strengthen regional integration.
The official added: "The enhanced connectivity is expected to address strategic, logistical, and public utility needs while opening new avenues for development, particularly benefiting economically weaker communities across the region."
With these announcements, North Bengal stands at the threshold of a transportation revolution that could reshape its economic landscape and connectivity with the rest of India, marking a significant step in the region's infrastructure development journey.
