In a media briefing held at the Eastern Railway Headquarters, General Manager Milind K Deouskar provided insights into the ongoing development projects of the Eastern Railway, emphasizing station redevelopment and the construction of Road Overbridges (ROBs) and underpasses across Indian Railways. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lay the foundation stone for 28 stations under a scheme costing Rs 704 crore today.
Deouskar highlighted the railway’s commitment to infrastructure development, citing the successful completion of the Rampurhat – Murarai 3rd Line (29.48 KM) and the recent opening of a 2-lane section (Kumardubi – Mugma) and 13 ROBs in the current financial year. The Eastern Railway aims to align with global standards, offering modern amenities and facilities to passengers.
Under the ‘Amrit Bharat Station Scheme,’ selected stations in divisions such as Sealdah, Howrah, Asansol, and Malda will undergo redevelopment, receiving upgraded passenger facilities. The scheme includes wide foot-over bridges (FOBs), frontage improvements, waiting areas, CCTV surveillance, food kiosks, divyangjan-friendly toilets, ramps, signages, and escalators.
Bandel station, a crucial junction in the Howrah Division, is earmarked for major redevelopment at an estimated cost of Rs 307 crore. The plan includes transforming it into a world-class station with modern facilities, a spacious concourse, rooftop plaza, and other essential amenities.
Additionally, Eastern Railway is actively replacing manned level crossing gates with underpasses, contributing to improved safety and ease of movement. The completion of 11 underpasses and plans to construct 22 more underpasses at a total cost of Rs 123.52 crores is underway.
Prime Minister Modi is expected to lay the foundation stone for 4 underpasses, and 6 underpasses will be dedicated to the nation. These projects, totaling Rs 41.44 crores, aim to enhance travel efficiency and reduce road traffic congestion.
In the broader context, the Prime Minister will inaugurate redevelopment and infrastructure projects worth Rs 704 crore at 28 Eastern Railway stations today, aligning with the vision of ‘Viksit Rail, Viksit Bharat 2047.’ This initiative follows the earlier foundation stone laying for the redevelopment of 508 stations under the ‘Amrit Bharat Station Scheme,’ showcasing a long-term commitment to the continuous development of railway stations across the country.