Government of West Bengal in their official paper clearly mentions the picture of Railway Projects in West Bengal.

Railway projects in West Bengal and other Issues

The annual plan budget of Railway is Rs. 9,700 crore for 1999-2000. The share of West Bengal therein is 2.16% only, whereas the population of West Bengal constitutes 8% of that of the country. The [proportion of route-kilometers per lakh population here is 4.9 as against the national average of 7.5. this is in spite of the fact that Eastern and South-Eastern Railways together generate about one-third of the total freight train kms. Out of the 20 new projects included in 1999-2000. Only the Metro and Circular Railway extensions are in West Bengal, that also after commitment of financial participation by the State. The grossly inadequate budgetary allocations for ongoing railway projects in West Bengal have had the unavoidable effect of delay in completion of the projects and cost escalation. In 1998-99 token allocation was made for 6 out of 20 ongoing projects, and allocation against Ranaghat-Gede diverted.

The recent study commissioned by the Government of West Bengal through RITES reveals that the capacity of almost all important Calcutta roads has been saturated. There is no further scope for delaying the diversion of passenger traffic from road transport to other modes.

Metro Railway

The Metro from Dum Dum to Tollygunge was sanctioned in June, 1972. The extension to Garia has been included in the Railway budget for 1999-2000. The State Government is committed to bear one-third of the project cost of Rs. 696 crores. General Manager, Metro Railway has already requested the State Government for release of Rs. 7.5 crore and has projected a 5-year time schedule for completion of the extension project. In view of the traffic situation mentioned, the State Government would request that the extension project be completed within a 2-year period. The State Government will honour its commitment of bearing one-third of the project cost within the same time.

Metro Services between Dum Dum and Barrackpore

There is scope for extension of the Metro Railway to Barrackpore as four additional lines exist for the entire stretch which will merely require upgradation, and laying of power rail. Land is also available for this extension including land for has been completed by now. It is critical that its implementation is taken up immediately and completed within the least possible time.

 Metro Link for NSCB Airport

Most cities having metro services have their airport served by it. The Metro terminus at Dum Dum is only 1.5 km. From NSCB Airport, if surface rails are laid through the Cantonment area. The benefits of such linkage need not be dwelt upon.

Urgent consideration may be given to the providing of this facility.

Circular Railway

The extension of Circular Railway from Princep Ghat to Majerhat was delayed initially due to the unwillingness of the Calcutta Port Trust to allow the Railway through its Customs bonded area. That problem has since been removed. Fresh problems have arisen because of the objections of the Defence Authorities in the matter of allowing the laying of tracks on land falling within the Blue Zone. Its resolution depends on the interaction between the Ministry of Railways and the Ministry of Defence.