Ashwini Vaishnaw announces launch of Namo Bharat trains in West Bengal

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has initiated a major mission to modernise and expand railway facilities in West Bengal. The government has allocated a substantial Rs 13,955 crores for this purpose. In total, the railways in West Bengal are seeing an investment of approximately Rs 68,000 crores, this includes plans to introduce Namo Bharat trains in West Bengal. 

Vaishnaw also appealed to the Chief Minister of West Bengal to assist with land acquisition and address law and order issues to ensure the successful implementation of these projects for the benefit of the people. He emphasised that land acquisition is a critical factor for the development of railway infrastructure.

“The PM has taken up a big mission to modernise and expand railway facilities in West Bengal. For this, an amount of Rs 13,955 crores has been allocated. In Bengal, Railways has an investment of massive Rs 68,000 crores. To use these resources, I request West Bengal CM to help us with land acquisition and also regarding law and order to benefit the people. For the development of Railways, land acquisition is very important. 101 railway stations in West Bengal will be re-developed under as ‘Amrit’ stations,” Vaishnaw said.

101 stations in West Bengal to get facelift

Vaishnaw further shared that 101 railway stations in West Bengal will undergo redevelopment as part of the “Amrit” station initiative. Furthermore, he highlighted that, currently, nine Vande Bharat trains are operational in the state, and the first Amrit Bharat train, which began its journey from Malda last year, is part of this ongoing effort. 

Namo Bharat trains to debut in West Bengal 

The Railway Minister also added that, in the recent budget, the government approved the addition of 100 new Amrit Bharat trains for West Bengal.

“Now in this year’s Budget, 100 new Amrit Bharat trains have been approved. Namo Bharat trains will also be started in West Bengal…In the last 10 years, 1290 km of railway tracks were laid down in West Bengal,” Vaishnaw said.