West Bengal and Assam to Get 101 Modernised Railway Stations by 2026 as Amrit Bharat Rail Push Accelerates
Eastern and north-eastern India are entering a new phase of railway development as West Bengal and Assam move toward the large-scale modernisation of 101 railway stations by 2026 under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The programme, part of a nationwide rail upgrade drive, is designed to transform traditional railway stations into modern, accessible and regionally connected transport hubs that support economic growth, tourism and daily commuting.
Railway authorities say the project marks a shift away from small, isolated improvements toward a coordinated strategy that upgrades entire station ecosystems, including passenger facilities, safety systems and local connectivity.
A Region-Wide Infrastructure Push
West Bengal is one of the biggest beneficiaries of the scheme. All 101 Amrit Bharat stations in the state are being redeveloped at an estimated cost of around ₹3,600 crore, covering metropolitan Kolkata, industrial towns, tourist centres and border districts. This wide geographical spread is meant to ensure that development is not limited to major cities but reaches smaller towns and strategically important locations as well.
Stations selected for redevelopment include major junctions such as Howrah, Sealdah, New Jalpaiguri, Kharagpur, Asansol, Santragachi, Siliguri, Alipurduar, Shalimar, Malda Town, Bandel and Ranaghat, along with pilgrimage, tourism and industrial hubs like Bolpur Shantiniketan, Digha, Purulia, Barddhaman and Rampurhat.
In Assam, which acts as the primary gateway to the North-East, several stations are also being upgraded under the same framework. These include key locations such as Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Silchar, Tinsukia, Lumding and Jorhat Town, all of which play a crucial role in connecting remote and border regions with the rest of India.
A senior railway official described the scheme as a move toward “integrated, future-ready station infrastructure,” aimed at improving both the travel experience and the economic role of railway hubs.
More Than Cosmetic Changes
Unlike older station renovation projects that focused mainly on appearance, the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is designed around functionality, safety and accessibility.
Redeveloped stations will feature:
- Wider and better-organised waiting areas
- Improved passenger circulation and signage
- Lifts, escalators and facilities for Divyangjan (persons with disabilities)
- Digital information boards and public announcement systems
- Enhanced lighting and security infrastructure
- Architecture that reflects local culture and heritage
Across West Bengal and Assam, hundreds of lifts and escalators are being installed, while Wi-Fi connectivity is being expanded to improve passenger convenience. In sensitive and high-traffic areas, AI-enabled CCTV cameras and intrusion detection systems are being introduced to strengthen security.
Railway officials say the goal is to make stations comfortable not just for long-distance travellers but also for daily commuters, elderly passengers and families.
Flagship Stations to Become Regional Gateways
Some stations are being developed as major regional hubs.
New Jalpaiguri (NJP), with a sanctioned investment of around ₹335 crore, is being turned into a modern gateway to the North-East and the Himalayan region. The project includes new terminals, upgraded platforms and an air concourse to handle growing passenger volumes.
Santragachi, on the outskirts of Kolkata, is being redeveloped at an estimated cost of ₹380 crore as a multi-modal transport hub. Once completed, it is expected to reduce pressure on the heavily crowded Howrah–Kolkata corridor by offering better rail and road connectivity.
Asansol, an important centre for West Bengal’s industrial belt, is also being transformed into a modern rail hub with an investment of about ₹431 crore, improving connectivity for coal, steel and manufacturing regions.
Railways have stated that these stations are expected to become centres of regional economic activity, supporting trade, tourism and employment.
New-Age Trains to Support the Network
The station redevelopment drive is being supported by the rapid expansion of modern train services.
Nine new Amrit Bharat Express trains will soon be introduced from West Bengal and Assam, adding to the growing fleet of affordable long-distance services. These trains will connect eastern and north-eastern India with Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra and other major states, improving mobility for migrant workers, students, traders and families.
Among the key routes are:
- New Jalpaiguri – Nagercoil
- New Jalpaiguri – Tiruchirappalli
- Alipurduar – Bengaluru
- Alipurduar – Mumbai (Panvel)
- Santragachi – Tambaram (Chennai region)
- Howrah – Anand Vihar (Delhi)
- Sealdah – Banaras
- Kamakhya (Guwahati) – Rohtak
- Dibrugarh – Lucknow (Gomti Nagar)
These trains are designed as non-AC long-distance services with modern amenities such as improved seating and berths, charging points, pantry cars, modern toilets and safety systems. Fares are kept simple and affordable, at roughly ₹500 per 1,000 kilometres, making them attractive for everyday travellers.
Supporting Economic and Social Integration
Railway planners say the combination of upgraded stations and new long-distance trains will strengthen economic ties between eastern, north-eastern, southern and western India.
Direct connections from North Bengal to southern Tamil Nadu, for example, will link tea-growing and tourism regions with major education and manufacturing centres. Similarly, new services from Alipurduar will improve access from the Dooars and border areas to metropolitan and industrial hubs.
Routes passing through Odisha and Andhra Pradesh are also expected to improve the eastern rail corridor, benefiting coastal, industrial and pilgrimage centres along the way.
Looking Ahead
With 101 Amrit Bharat stations in West Bengal and Assam scheduled for completion by 2026, Indian Railways is aiming to create a more inclusive, efficient and regionally balanced transport system. By combining modern station infrastructure with affordable, long-distance train services, the initiative is designed to make rail travel safer, more comfortable and more accessible for millions.
As these projects come online, they are expected to reshape not just how people travel, but also how cities and towns across eastern and north-eastern India connect to the wider national economy.
