Kolkata: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday said there is a Rs 60,000-crore investment opportunity for the railways in West Bengal, media reports said.
He noted that 61 pending projects in the state could be expedited if land-related issues are resolved, urging the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government to prioritize development over politics, reported PTI.
Speaking after inaugurating several railway projects and services at Sealdah station, Vaishnaw stressed that these investments would only be possible with the cooperation of the state government.
The increase from 9 to 12 coaches on 300 suburban train services from Sealdah will benefit approx. 3 lakh+ passengers daily.
Calculation: 335 passengers/EMU coach 3 additional coaches 300 services = 3,01,500 additional passengers. pic.twitter.com/97IILQCjcA
Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) October 2, 2024
He pointed out that 26 km of Metro railway projects are currently stalled due to land disputes.
Development is the need of the hour. There should not be any politics surrounding railway projects. If the state government supports us, these 61 pending projects can be expedited for the sake of the people, he was quoted as saying by PTI.
During his visit to Braithwaite Co Ltd for a Swachh Bharat event, Vaishnaw also addressed the recent rape-murder case involving a medic at R.G. Kar Hospital, offering prayers for justice during the puja season.
Highlighting development milestones under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership, Vaishnaw noted the expansion of Kolkatas Metro network from 28 km in 2014 to 38 km and the tripling of railway development allocations for Bengal, which now stands at Rs 13,941 crore, compared to Rs 4,380 crore during previous governments.
Vaishnaw also addressed concerns about railway safety, announcing the completion of the Kavach 4.2 safety system.
This system has been implemented over 2,000 km of railway tracks and 900 locomotives, ensuring enhanced safety measures.
He pointed out a notable reduction in railway accidents, from 171 annually a decade ago to 40 last year, with derailments dropping from an average of 450-500 under the UPA government to around 80.
This progress, Vaishnaw said, is due to technological advancements, improved maintenance practices, and better employee training.
