West Bengal BJP president Shamik Bhattacharya has proposed a four-corridor Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) linking Kolkata with major South Bengal cities, arguing that faster regional rail is needed to connect the state’s growing industrial, educational, port and tourism centres.
In a letter to Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Bhattacharya requested an RRTS modelled on the National Capital Region Transport Corporation’s Namo Bharat corridors. He also submitted a preliminary feasibility report and a comprehensive study covering the proposed semi-high-speed rail network.
The four proposed corridors would connect Kolkata to Kalyani, Krishnanagar and Mayapur over 135 km; Burdwan, Durgapur and Asansol over 232 km; Falta, Diamond Harbour, Haldia and Nandigram over 102 km; and Santragachi, Kolaghat, Kharagpur and Medinipur over 135 km. Together, the proposed network would cover 604 km.
The proposal says South Bengal’s urban geography remains heavily centred on Kolkata, while cities such as Durgapur, Asansol, Kharagpur, Krishnanagar and Haldia have developed as significant economic and institutional centres. According to the letter, travel between these locations currently depends largely on conventional railways and highways, which are described as congested and unsuitable for high-frequency commuter movement.
The suggested RRTS corridors would be aligned, where possible, along existing highways and railway corridors to reduce land acquisition. The proposal also calls for a dedicated West Bengal Rapid Transit Corporation, or WBRTC, structured as a special purpose vehicle with joint ownership involving the Centre and the state government.
The preliminary study proposes a 50-50 joint venture structure involving the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the Ministry of Railways and the West Bengal government. Under the suggested arrangement, the two Union ministries would each hold 25 per cent, while the state government would source its share from departments including transport and industry, and from WBHIDCO.
The study proposes trains made up of three lightweight stainless steel cars with aerodynamic nose cones. It recommends standard gauge tracks, measuring 1,435 mm, with ballastless precast slab tracks on elevated and underground sections. Ballasted tracks would be used on fenced at-grade and embankment sections.
The proposed traction system would use a 25 kV, 50 Hz overhead line. Flexible catenary would be used on elevated sections, while rigid overhead catenary would be installed inside tunnels to reduce vertical-clearance requirements. The proposal does not represent an approved construction programme or announce a project commencement date.
For financing, the study suggests official development assistance loans from institutions such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank. The remaining capital expenditure, it says, could be funded jointly by the Centre and the state government.
Bhattacharya has asked the Union ministry to examine the proposal and, if considered suitable, direct a detailed feasibility study in coordination with the West Bengal government. That study would examine engineering requirements, travel demand and financial viability before any implementation decision is taken.
