The Sealdah Division of Eastern Railway is mulling plans to undergo a massive infrastructural overhaul to address the rapidly growing passenger demand and modernise the network. The Division is exploring options of implementing a multi-layered infrastructure strategy aimed at removing bottlenecks to develop a network enabling a higher frequency of trains.
To begin with, the divisional railway authorities are emphasising on optimising rake management to ensure seamless departures. For this, Sealdah division is planning to increase the capacity through new stabling lines and create high-capacity hubs at select points. Woodgola is to have four additional lines, while Belgharia siding is to see a major boost with six new lines and Kalyani (KYI) is slated for four lines. Apart from this, additional stabling infrastructure is being integrated at Bongaon, Krishnanagar City (KNJ), Canning, and Diamond Harbour.
To minimise train detention, new loop lines are being engineered at Kulpi, Lalgola, and Gede. These additions are aimed at ensuring that goods and slow-moving trains do not obstruct high-speed passenger services, improving overall punctuality. The division will also execute comprehensive yard remodelling at 13 strategic stations, including major junctions like Krishnanagar City, Bongaon, Barrackpore, and Diamond Harbour to replace legacy layouts with modern, streamlined track configurations and these upgrades are specifically designed to accommodate the double growth in passenger traffic anticipated by 2030. The Division has also planned for commissioning automatic signalling modernisation at Lakegardens – Budge Budge, Baruipur – Diamond Harbour, Sonarpur – Canning, Ranaghat – Krishnanagar sections to improve train handling, reduce congestion and enhance punctuality.
According to the divisional railway manager of Sealdah, Rajeev Saxena, the planned upgrades are specifically designed to eliminate long-standing operational bottlenecks in Sealdah Division. “By increasing the number of stabling lines and remodelling congested yards, the Division aims to resolve issues related to platform availability, engine reversal delays, and terminal congestion,” said Mr Saxena. “Furthermore, surveys will be continued to identify suitable locations for creating more stabling lines, pits and other infrastructures across the division,” he added.
The divisional railway authorities are also enhancing regional connectivity and handle high-frequency suburban services. For this, three critical ‘Line Capacity’ projects are being carried out including doubling of the Ranaghat–Bangaon (BNJ) section, construction of a third line between Ranaghat and Krishnanagar City (KNJ) and construction of a third line between Kalyani (KYI) and Ranaghat.