Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Announces Major Railway Projects in West Bengal and Odisha

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has approved three new railway schemes for West Bengal, aimed at expanding regional rail services, enhancing passenger convenience and modernising infrastructure in key parts of the state. The announcements were transmitted via separate letters to the state’s political leadership, reflecting the centre’s focus on railway connectivity ahead of upcoming electoral engagements.

In Odisha, Vaishnaw reported that projects worth nearly ₹90,000 crore are under execution, including multiple new lines such as Junagarh–Nabarangpur, Bimlagarh–Talcher and the Khurda Road–Balangir route, slated for completion by 2027. He also launched a new tri‑weekly Puri–Koraput Express serving coastal, western and southern districts, and noted the redevelopment of 59 stations under the Amrit Station Scheme. Additional capacity upgrades on the Howrah–Chennai corridor are expected to enable about 500 extra trains once completed.