Delhi, Feb 7: Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology, inaugurated the Siuri Road Over Bridge, dedicated the Kumarpur Road Over Bridge to the nation and flagged off the new Asansol–Bokaro train service through video conferencing on Sunday.
Speaking on the occasion, Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that these projects mark a significant step towards strengthening rail infrastructure, enhancing safety and improving regional connectivity in West Bengal and adjoining areas.
The Union Minister mentioned that this year a record budget allocation of Rs. 14,205 crores has been allocated for Railway in West Bengal which is more than 3 times than the average allocation during 2009-2014. He also mentioned that Railway Projects worth about Rs. 92,000 crore are continuing in West Bengal which will facilitate infrastructural transformation in this State.
Vaishnaw also mentioned that recently Hon’ble Prime Minister has initiated more than a dozen new trains to facilitate enhancement in rail connectivity for the people of West Bengal. The first Vande Bharat Sleeper train started running from West Bengal. This indicated the visionary initiative of ‘Purvoday’ taken by Prime Minister towards development of this region.
The Railway Minister also mentioned that the first Bullet Train for West Bengal has been announced in this year’s Rail Budget and this Bullet Train will start from Siliguri. At the same time, Prime Minister has approved for an East-West freight corridor connecting West Bengal with Gujarat.
Another initiative is being taken for construction of an underground rail corridor at the Chicken-Neck part of North Bengal as a strategic step for safe and secured transportation.
The newly constructed Road Over Bridge in lieu of Level Crossing No. 22B/T near Siuri Railway Station has been completed at a project cost of Rs 42 crore. The bridge will remove long waiting time at the level crossing and ensure faster, safer and smoother daily travel for residents of Siuri and adjoining areas. It will significantly enhance safety by eliminating a busy crossing, reduce congestion around Siuri station and improve mobility for students, workers and local commuters. The ROB will also enable uninterrupted movement of emergency vehicles during critical situations.
Another major infrastructure addition is the Road Over Bridge at Kumarpur in lieu of Level Crossing No. 1Spl/E between Barachak & Hirapur Yard Line, constructed at a cost of Rs 55 crore. Located on the important GT Road corridor, it serves as a key link between Asansol city, large parts of Paschim Bardhaman district and Jharkhand. The bridge will facilitate faster and smoother movement of trade and traffic within the state and with neighbouring states, enhance safety on a heavily used route and reduce congestion around Asansol, improving daily commuting for local residents.
On the same occasion, the new train service between Asansol and Bokaro Steel City was flagged off, strengthening connectivity between two major steel hubs of the country. The service will benefit industrial workers, daily commuters and local residents. Running via Paschim Bardhaman and Purulia districts of West Bengal and Bokaro district of Jharkhand, the train will enhance both intra-state and inter-state mobility and support regional economic and social connectivity. The regular run of 63592/63591 Asansol – Bokaro Steel City - Asansol MEMU passenger will commence from 10th February 2026.
