The New Jalpaiguri Railway station which is set to be proposed for redevelopment to be a station with world class facilities will get its foundation stone laid on 30th December, 2022 by Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.
Apart from this, fulfilling the long pending demand of the people of the region, Hon’ble Prime Minister will also dedicate the stretch of 88.17 km long Ambari Falakata – New Maynaguri and New Maynaguri– Gumanihat Double Line project to the nation.
The New Jalpaiguri Railway station will be set up as first international train terminal of the country with world class facilities which will include terminal for the UNESCO world heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The station is being designed to have ultra-modern amenities like spacious roof plaza, concourse with all passenger amenities at one place along with provisions for retail, cafeterias, and recreational facilities. For smooth movement of traffic, adequate parking facilities with podium parking in front of the building will also be set up. The station will have 12 no’s lifts and 10 no’s escalator and adequate facilities for divyang people. There will be complete segregation between arriving and departing passengers. High tech integrated security system, CCTV, way finding signages for ease movement of traffic, adequate waiting space and amenities will also be provided for safety and comfort of passengers. The station building will have range of green technology like solar energy, water conservation and rain harvesting. The overall built-up area of the station will be about 37,040 sq m. The approximate estimated cost of the entire work for redevelopment of the New Jalpaiguri station will be about Rs. 337.42 crore which is expected to complete in a time frame of 30 months. Redevelopment of New Jalpaiguri station will further help in boosting various sectors of local economy including travel, tourism etc in North Bengal as well as Sikkim.
The Ambari Falakata – New Maynaguri and New Maynaguri – Gumanihat Double Line project covering a length of 88.17 km is spreaded over Coochbehar & Jalpaiguri districts of West Bengal, has been completed at an estimated cost of Rs. 1461 crore. There are 24 major bridges, 05 Road Over Bridges and 11 stations in this section. The doubling line will speed up train operations and augment train handling capacity towards North East region which will bring overall economic development of the region due to faster movement. It will also generate additional line capacity and improve mobility of freight trains leading to significant reduction in running time. The doubling line which serves as a crucial point for all the North-eastern states will provide benefit to local industries in area and will provide boost to agriculture industry in adjoining areas.
Moreover, a new Vande Bharat Express train between Howrah to New Jalpaiguri will also to be flagged off by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 30th December, 2022 from Howrah station. This will be the first Vande Bharat Express for West Bengal as well as Eastern India. The successful trail run of the Vande Bharat train has also been done ahead of its flagging off.
The Howrah – New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express will be in operation from both directions six days a week except Wednesday. Train No. 22301 (Howrah – New Jalpaiguri) Vande Bharat Express will depart from Howrah at 05:55 hours to reach New Jalpaiguri at 13:25 hours on the same day. In return direction, Train No. 22302 (New Jalpaiguri – Howrah) Vande Bharat Express will depart from New Jalpaiguri at 15:05 hours to reach Howrah at 22:35 hours on the same day.
