Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, on Sunday, 8th Feb, flagged off the new Asansol–Bokaro Steel City train service through video conferencing, inaugurated the Siuri Road Over Bridge (ROB) and dedicated the Kumarpur Road Over Bridge to the nation, marking a significant boost to rail infrastructure and connectivity in West Bengal.
Addressing the occasion, Shri Vaishnaw said that these projects reflect the Government’s continued focus on strengthening railway infrastructure, enhancing safety, and improving regional and inter-state connectivity. He highlighted that a record ₹14,205 crore has been allocated for railways in West Bengal this year, which is more than three times the average annual allocation during 2009–2014. He further informed that railway projects worth nearly ₹92,000 crore are currently underway in the state, signalling a major phase of infrastructural transformation.
The Minister also noted that the Hon’ble Prime Minister has recently initiated more than a dozen new train services for West Bengal, including the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train from the state, reflecting the vision of ‘Purvoday’ for eastern India’s development. He added that the first Bullet Train for West Bengal, announced in the current Rail Budget, will originate from Siliguri, while an East–West Freight Corridor connecting West Bengal with Gujarat has also been approved. Additionally, plans for an underground rail corridor in the strategic Chicken’s Neck region of North Bengal are being pursued to ensure safe and secure transportation.
Asansol–Bokaro Train Service
On the same occasion, Shri Vaishnaw flagged off the new Asansol–Bokaro Steel City train service, strengthening connectivity between two major industrial hubs. The service will benefit industrial workers, daily commuters, and local residents across Paschim Bardhaman and Purulia districts of West Bengal and Bokaro district of Jharkhand. The regular operation of 63592/63591 Asansol – Bokaro Steel City – Asansol MEMU Passenger will commence from 10 February 2026.
Siuri Road Over Bridge
The Siuri ROB, constructed in lieu of Level Crossing No. 22B/T near Siuri Railway Station at a cost of ₹42 crore, will eliminate prolonged waiting times at the busy crossing. The bridge is expected to significantly enhance commuter safety, reduce traffic congestion, improve mobility for students and workers, and ensure uninterrupted passage for emergency vehicles.
Kumarpur Road Over Bridge
The Kumarpur ROB, built at a cost of ₹55 crore in lieu of Level Crossing No. 1Spl/E between Barachak and Hirapur Yard Line, is located along the crucial GT Road corridor. It serves as an important link between Asansol city, large parts of Paschim Bardhaman district, and neighbouring Jharkhand. The bridge will facilitate smoother movement of trade and traffic, enhance safety on a heavily used route, and ease daily commuting in the region.
