Bengal Government Takes Key Steps to Clear Land Hurdles for Railway Projects
The West Bengal government has taken steps to resolve the long-standing land acquisition issues that have been holding up the progress of several key railway initiatives. Chief Secretary Manoj Pant issued a directive aimed at accelerating the land acquisition process for various projects, particularly the crucial Dankuni-Ludhiana freight rail corridor and railway overbridges and underpasses, where land-related challenges have stalled development.
Pant’s intervention follows a high-level meeting held at the state secretariat Nabanna on Friday. The meeting included Eastern Railway General Manager Milind Deouskar, along with senior officials from both the state Land Department and Transport Department. During this meeting, it was discussed how land acquisition delays have been a bottleneck for the timely execution of railway projects in the state, and strategies were formulated to resolve these issues swiftly.
“The Chief Secretary has instructed officials to expedite the resolution of land-related problems and to ensure that necessary land is identified for railway projects, including the freight corridor and overbridges,” sources said. The state’s involvement has been vital as land acquisition for railway projects can often be complicated by ownership disputes, resistance from local populations, or lack of adequate compensation measures. Among the projects most affected by these delays is the Dankuni-Ludhiana freight rail corridor. This project is expected to improve the transportation of goods across key regions of India, but without the resolution of land issues, work on this important infrastructure has remained stalled. Additionally, several railway overbridges and underpasses, which are critical to improving both passenger and freight movement, have also faced delays due to similar land acquisition concerns.
To tackle these challenges, the West Bengal government has tasked the concerned officials with quickly identifying the required land and pushing forward with the acquisition process. The authorities aim to clear the land logjam that has hampered the progress of these projects, ensuring that work can proceed without further hindrance. For residents and businesses in West Bengal, these railway projects are of significant importance, as they are expected to enhance the state’s connectivity, boost economic activity, and improve transportation efficiency. The Dankuni-Ludhiana freight corridor, in particular, is anticipated to facilitate the faster movement of goods, benefiting the industrial sectors of both West Bengal and Punjab. The railway overbridges and underpasses will also reduce traffic congestion, making it easier for commuters to travel.
The resolution of these land issues is not only crucial for the timely completion of these projects but also reflects the state government’s commitment to improving railway infrastructure and ensuring that vital projects move forward without unnecessary delays. As the land acquisition process accelerates, the West Bengal government hopes to overcome the bottlenecks and create an environment where railway development can proceed smoothly, ultimately contributing to the state’s broader infrastructure goals. The progress of these railway projects is a key indicator of the state’s determination to modernise its transportation network and boost its economic potential.
