SEALDAH DIVISION TO CELEBRATE 162 YEARS GLORIOUS TRAIN OPERATIONS IN BETWEEN SEALDAH AND RANAGHAT
Kolkata, 23rd September, 2024
Sealdah Division is all set to commemorate 162 years of train operations in between Sealdah and Ranaghat on 29th September 2024. The inaugural train service on the Sealdah-Ranaghat section ran on 29th September, 1862.
Sealdah-Ranaghat train services have a rich history dating back to 1857 when Eastern Bengal Railway (EBR) was formed to construct a new Rail line from Kolkata to Dhaka. At the outset, the line was built to serve the flourishing jute industry of Bengal. At that time, it became a hub for jute production with 38 jute companies producing approximately 31000 looms.
The original station building of Sealdah was constructed in the year 1869. In 1952, the Eastern Railway zone was formed with Sealdah division under its jurisdiction. The Sealdah – Ranaghat section was electrified in the year 1963 and Bandel-Naihati section was subsequently electrified in 1965. The Ranaghat-Gede section was electrified later in 1997-98, allowing EMU services to connect Sealdah with Gede.
Over the period of time, Sealdah – Ranaghat section has become busiest suburban section of Sealdah North connecting North 24 Pgs and Nadia districts with Kolkata. As on date, Sealdah Ranaghat section is served by all 12 cars EMU rakes from both Narkeldanga and Ranaghat EMU Carsheds. Approximately 240 daily EMUs are plying between in the busiest suburban section with 41 additional EMU services running between Sealdah and Gede via Ranaghat Junction.
