General Manager of the Northeast Frontier Railway Ansul Gupta has said that passenger train services to Bangladesh from the Radhikapur in North Dinajpur district could start if both the countries wanted.
According to Mr Gupta, the Railways has already set up the infrastructure at the Radhikapur station near the Bangladesh border. Goods train services between the two countries through Radhikapur are already functional for the past few years.
“The culture, habits and many social aspects between India and Bangladesh are similar. Both the countries will benefit if the passenger train service starts,” said Mr Gupta, who was visiting the Raiganj railway station yesterday. BJP MP from Raiganj Debasree Choudhuri had recently sent a letter to Mr Gupta, demanding a start to the construction of new railway tracks between Samsi in Malda and Dalkhola in North Dinajpur, which was approved years ago.
The track connectivity between Buniapur in South Dinajpur and Kaliyaganj in North Dinajpur was also approved around 15 years ago. However, no work has begun on such projects. She has also demanded that the Railways construct a flyover in Raiganj to ease the traffic congestion in the town, while urging more passenger facilities in Raiganj, Radhikapur, Aluabari and Kanki stations in the district. The General Manager of NF Railway Mr A. Gupta said, “We have decided to construct a flyover at the level crossing in Raiganj town.
First, we have to get a no-objection certificate from the district administration. Work will begin then. The construction of a new track between Buniadpur and Kaliyaganj, another track between Samsi and Dalkhola are also under our consideration.We will introduce a park, canteen, and parking space for passengers after evicting unauthorised occupants from railway land on the Raiganj station premises.”