Jaipur (Khatipura) – Tatanagar – Santragachi Express Train Flagged Off
Union Minister for Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw and the Chief Minister of West Bengal Shri Suvendu Adhikari flagged off the Jaipur (Khatipura)–Tatanagar–Santragachi Express.
Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw participated in the flag-off ceremony through video conferencing.
. Dignitaries Present
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Shri Dilip Ghosh, Minister, Government of West Bengal.
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Shri Sunil Kothari, Mayor.
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Shri Bidyut Baran Mahato, Member of Parliament.
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Smt. Manju Sharma, Member of Parliament.
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Other public representatives and dignitaries.
Improved Regional Connectivity
The new train will strengthen rail connectivity between:
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Rajasthan
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Uttar Pradesh
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Bihar
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Jharkhand
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West Bengal
The service is expected to benefit:
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Migrant workers living in Rajasthan
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Business communities
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Students
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General passengers travelling across these regions
Major Railway Investments in Jharkhand
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Railway budget allocation for Jharkhand has increased from ₹450 crore to ₹7,500 crore, around 16 times higher than earlier allocations.
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Railway projects worth approximately ₹75,000 crore are currently underway in the state.
Amrit Bharat Station Scheme in Jharkhand
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57 railway stations in Jharkhand are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
Redevelopment work has been completed at stations including:
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Godda
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Govindpur Road
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Lohardaga
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Madhupur
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Muri
Focus on Affordable and Inclusive Travel
Shri Vaishnaw emphasized that railway development initiatives are aimed at serving:
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Middle-class families
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Economically weaker sections
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Improved connectivity and modern stations will benefit passengers from all income groups.
Key Infrastructure Projects in West Bengal
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Expansion of the Howrah–Kharagpur–Chakulia–Tatanagar corridor to four railway lines is underway.
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The 4.5-km metro section connecting Beleghata and the IT Centre in Kolkata has been completed.
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Trial runs have commenced on the section, which will provide connectivity to the Green Line of Kolkata Metro.
West Bengal Chief Minister's Remarks
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Shri Suvendu Adhikari thanked the Railway Minister for the railway infrastructure projects being undertaken in the state.
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He highlighted that the annual average railway budget allocation for West Bengal has increased from ₹4,380 crore (2009-14) to ₹14,205 crore for 2026-27.
