Railway Minister announces Rs 60,000-crore investment opportunity in West Bengal

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday revealed a massive Rs 60,000-crore investment opportunity in West Bengal's railway sector, contingent upon the resolution of land-related issues. Speaking at Sealdah station after inaugurating new railway projects and train services, Vaishnaw urged the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government to prioritize development over politics to expedite 61 pending projects.

He noted that delays stem from difficulties in handing over land to the railways, especially affecting 26 km of Metro projects. "If the state government cooperates, these projects can move forward for the benefit of the people," Vaishnaw stated. At a Swachh Bharat event at Braithwaite & Co Ltd, the minister stressed the urgency of development and called for unity beyond political lines. He also expressed solidarity with the public in light of the tragic rape-murder of a medical student at R G Kar hospital, urging prayers for justice.

Reflecting on the Modi government's accomplishments, Vaishnaw cited the expansion of Kolkata's Metro network from 28 km in 2014 to 38 km and highlighted a threefold increase in Bengal's railway development budget, now at Rs 13,941 crore compared to Rs 4,380 crore during previous administrations, including Mamata Banerjee’s tenure as railway minister.

On railway safety, the minister emphasized recent advancements, particularly the implementation of the Kavach 4.2 system, designed to prevent accidents. He credited the system, which covers 2,000 km of tracks and 900 locomotives, with improving safety standards through rigorous global certifications.

Vaishnaw also reported a dramatic reduction in railway accidents, with annual incidents dropping from 171 a decade ago to 40 last year. Derailments, previously averaging 450-500 annually, have now decreased to around 80. These improvements are attributed to technological innovations, better maintenance, and enhanced employee training. He concluded by reiterating the ministry's commitment to investigating accidents thoroughly to address any structural or systemic issues.