The Bengal Story Bureau: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has confirmed that the Railway Board has finally granted approval for the construction of a double railway line between Nandakumar and Digha. The project, which has faced significant delays, is expected to drastically improve connectivity to the popular coastal town.
The approval follows an eight-year-long administrative impasse. The doubling of this specific rail segment is considered a critical infrastructure upgrade for East Midnapore, serving as a primary transit route for both daily commuters and the region’s burgeoning tourism industry.
Infrastructure Impact
The Nandakumar-Digha rail corridor currently operates on a single-line track, leading to frequent congestion and logistical limitations. Railway officials stated that the introduction of a second line will significantly increase the frequency of local and long-distance trains, including the popular Tamralipta and Kandari Express services.
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The project is also expected to enhance freight movement, supporting the economic activities surrounding the Digha and Haldia industrial hubs. While the formal project timeline is yet to be released, initial clearance from the Railway Board initiates the land acquisition and tendering phase.
Long-Standing Demand
Local representatives and tourism associations in Digha have consistently lobbied for this expansion, citing the rapid increase in footfall at the coastal destination over the last decade. The delay had previously become a point of contention between state officials and central authorities regarding allocation and project prioritisation.
The Chief Minister’s announcement has been welcomed by local trade bodies, who believe that the expanded capacity will provide a major boost to the district’s tourism-dependent economy, potentially reducing travel time for passengers arriving from Kolkata and other parts of the state.
Government authorities are expected to hold a briefing on the project’s technical specifications and the projected completion schedule in the coming weeks.
