26/07/2025
Today, I met with the Hon’ble Minister of Railways Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw ji with a request for establishment of the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail system connecting Siliguri to surrounding areas, a metro-rail project in Siliguri, and the establishment of a Railway Coach Factory in Siliguri-Terai region.
Siliguri is recognized as the "Gateway to Northeast India," and it serves as a vital transit hub and tourist stopover for destinations like Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Dooars. It is also a major commerce and trade center linking Bihar, Sikkim, Assam, West Bengal, and shares international borders with Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
I informed the Hon’ble Minister that despite its strategic importance, inadequate transportation infrastructure hampers its growth potential.
Hence, I have requested for the establishment of the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail system connecting:
1. Siliguri to Malda - via Bagdogra, Naxalbari, Khoribari, Bidhannagar, Chopra, Islampur, Raiganj, and Malda
2. Siliguri to Hashimara - via, Sevoke, Bagrakote, Oodlabari, Mal Bazar, Chalsa, Nagrakata, Banarhat, Birpara, and Hashimara; and
3. In the future, connecting Siliguri to Rangpo once the Sevoke_Rangpo Rail Line is operational.
Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, a semi-high-speed inter-city rail service designed for distances of 100–250 km, could significantly improve transportation and connectivity by offering a fast, safe, and eco-friendly alternative to road travel. With modern amenities like air-conditioned coaches and the KAVACH anti-collision system, it will reduce pressure on congested roads in and around Siliguri city like the Hill Cart Road and Sevoke Road.
Siliguri, the second-largest urban center in West Bengal, has seen rapid population growth in the past decade, with over 10 lakh permanent residents today. To ease traffic inside Siliguri Metropolitan Area, I have further requested for the establishment of a metro-rail system connecting Siliguri and adjoining areas.
A proposed metro system could serve over 50,000 daily commuters, alleviate traffic congestion, and boost tourism revenue, especially given its proximity to Bagdogra Airport and New Jalpaiguri Junction. Establishment of Metro Rail Services will help unlock the region’s full potential and address urban transportation challenges.
Further, I have also demanded for the establishment of a Railway Coach Factory in our Siliguri-Terai region. Our region’s proximity to Northeast India, and the pool of employment-seeking youth make ours’ an ideal location for a railway coach factory.
These projects are not only vital for Siliguri, Darjeeling Hills, Terai, and Dooars but also essential for strengthening international trade and tourism. Our region stands at a crossroads, swift action on these demands will propel its economic growth and social development.
I am most hopeful that the Ministry of Railways will prioritize these initiatives to realize a prosperous future for our Darjeeling hills, Siliguri, Terai, Dooars, North Bengal and the Northeast.
Raju bista sir
