Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday virtually inaugurated the first Purulia–Bankura–Howrah MEMU train via Masagram, highlighting the Centre’s drive to expand and modernise rail networks.

He noted that currently the rail investment in West Bengal has risen from around rupees 4,380 crore in 2009–14 to about rupees 14,000 crore.

The new service revives the historic Bankura–Damodar link, covering 283 km at a fare of just Rs 60—cheaper than the Rs 65 Kharagpur route. It will serve daily commuters, students, and traders by offering cleaner, faster travel between Purulia, Bankura, Masagram, and Howrah.

Masagram now links the South Eastern Railway’s Bankura–Masagram line with the Eastern Railway’s Howrah–Bardhaman chord, promising improved access, tourism growth, and economic development across Purulia, Bankura, Hooghly, and Howrah districts.

Vaishnaw also inspected redevelopment work at Santragachi Station under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, which aims to transform ageing stations into modern transit hubs with enhanced passenger amenities.

“In West Bengal alone, 101 stations are being upgraded at an extraordinary pace,” he said.

“This isn’t just development—it’s a new era for Indian Railways, replacing 50–60-year-old facilities with modern infrastructure that meets today’s expectations for quality and experience.”