West Bengal

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; June 11: The Northeast Frontier Railway has been making significant progress under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal with the aim of transforming railway stations into modern and passenger-friendly transportation hubs. Under this ambitious project, five stations in the district have been included, namely Jalpaiguri, New Jalpaiguri, Dhupguri, New Mal Junction, and Jalpaiguri Road. Among them, the redevelopment work of Jalpaiguri Road Railway Station has recently been successfully completed. Meanwhile, the modernization works at Jalpaiguri, New Jalpaiguri, Dhupguri, and New Mal Junction stations are progressing at a rapid pace. This initiative reflects the Indian Railways’ commitment to providing enhanced passenger amenities, better accessibility, and world-class station infrastructure.

Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer of the Northeast Frontier Railway, stated that under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, Jalpaiguri Road Railway Station has been transformed into a modern and environmentally friendly station. The redevelopment project includes a newly designed circulating area to ensure smooth passenger movement, featuring dedicated traffic lanes, a well-organised parking arrangement, and convenient pathways for pedestrians. A grand entrance gate, an upgraded station façade, modernised booking counters, modular toilets, a refreshment room-cum-cafeteria, spacious waiting halls with baby care facilities, improved platforms, well-maintained green spaces, and high-mast lighting arrangements have significantly enhanced passenger convenience. Special emphasis has been given to accessibility through facilities for divyangjan, designated parking areas, and an improved signage system. The passenger information system has also been upgraded with modern display boards and advanced public announcement facilities.

Jalpaiguri Road, the redevelopment works at Jalpaiguri and Dhupguri stations are expected to be completed by December 2026, while the works at New Jalpaiguri and New Mal Junction stations are likely to be finished in early 2027, according to Northeast Frontier Railway authorities. The Northeast Frontier Railway remains committed to developing modern, sustainable, and passenger-centric railway infrastructure that supports regional growth and enhances the overall travel experience, said Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer of the Northeast Frontier Railway.