The Eastern Railway has sanctioned ₹396 crore for the doubling of the 32.93-kilometre Ranaghat-Bangaon rail section in West Bengal, aiming to decongest one of the region’s most heavily utilised rail corridors. The project, spanning Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts, is expected to enhance both passenger and freight movement, reflecting the growing pressure on the single-line track that currently operates at 114 percent of its capacity.
Railway officials highlighted that the doubling project will significantly improve operational efficiency, eliminating delays caused by train crossings and enabling seamless movement along the route. The Ranaghat-Bangaon section forms a critical link in the Sealdah division, connecting Ranaghat Junction on the Sealdah-Krishnanagar-Lalgola main line with Bangaon Junction, which lies near the Bangladesh border on the Sealdah-Dum Dum-Bangaon-Petrapole route.
With the introduction of AC EMU local services between Ranaghat and Sealdah, the section has witnessed a surge in commuter demand. Officials stated that doubling the track would allow for up to ten additional passenger trains in each direction daily and support an additional freight capacity of 0.88 million tonnes per annum. This is projected to generate extra revenue of approximately ₹8.66 crore annually, while improving service reliability for local commuters and freight operators. The project will also benefit several intermediate stations along the line, including Cooper’s Halt, Naba Raynagar Halt, Gangnapur, Majhergram, Akaipur Halt, Gopalnagar, and Satberia. Enhanced connectivity is expected to open new avenues for regional economic growth, facilitating smoother movement of goods from remote areas to broader markets within West Bengal and across neighbouring states.
Railway authorities have emphasised that the project is aligned with sustainable transport goals. Doubling the track is likely to reduce bottlenecks and idling times, improving energy efficiency and reducing operational emissions from diesel locomotives. The initiative further underscores Indian Railways’ commitment to upgrading infrastructure while ensuring an equitable and efficient transport network that serves both urban and rural populations. Officials have confirmed that project execution will follow strict environmental and regulatory guidelines, with a focus on sustainable construction practices. The doubling of the Ranaghat-Bangaon section is expected to be completed in phases, ensuring minimal disruption to existing services while maximising operational benefits once commissioned.
By improving both freight and passenger mobility, the project is set to strengthen regional trade corridors and provide residents and businesses with faster, more reliable connectivity. Analysts note that investments in rail infrastructure such as this are crucial for meeting growing transport demands, reducing carbon footprints, and supporting inclusive economic development in West Bengal.
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