West Bengal: Record Railway Push by Centre Faces Delays Due to Lack of State Cooperation
Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian Railways has witnessed a paradigm shift through extensive expansion and modernization. The Central Government has consistently demonstrated that promises made are promises delivered, reflected in record budgetary support and visible infrastructure transformation across the country, including West Bengal.
The financial commitment clearly shows this intent. During 2009-14, the annual average allocation for railway infrastructure in the state stood at ₹4,380 crore. For 2026-27, the allocation has increased to ₹14,205 crore, more than three times higher. This sharp rise underlines the Centre’s determination to strengthen connectivity, modernize stations and accelerate development in West Bengal.
Under the Amrit Station Scheme, 101 stations in the state have been identified for redevelopment with a total investment of ₹3,600 crore. Work has already been completed at nine stations, including Haldia railway station, Panagarh railway station and Siuri railway station, reflecting steady progress on the ground. These redevelopments aim to provide better passenger amenities, improved accessibility and world-class infrastructure.
However, despite record funding and clear policy direction, several sanctioned projects in West Bengal remain stalled due to delays in land acquisition. A total of 4,662 hectares of land is required for ongoing railway projects, but only 27% has been acquired so far, due to lack of cooperation from the state government. This gap has significantly slowed execution timelines. Important projects such as the Kaliyaganj-Buniadpur new railway line and the Nabadwip Ghat-Nabadwip Dham new line remain affected due to pending land acquisition. As highlighted by the Railway Minister in the Parliament recently, support from the State Government is essential to expedite railway projects and ensure timely completion.
The Centre government has sanctioned projects, provided record allocations and initiated redevelopment works. Yet, without active cooperation from the State Government, the full benefits of these initiatives cannot reach the people of West Bengal. For faster execution and accelerated development, alignment between the Centre and the State is crucial so that sanctioned railway projects can be completed without further delay. With the formation of a double-engine government in the state, railway development can move decisively into fast track mode, unlocking untapped potential, and enabling Bengal to play its rightful role in India’s growth journey.
