Bhabhadighi railway project at Goghat begins after 12-year delay
The Statesman | 13 September 2025It has been held up for the past twelve years.
A section of locals, under the banner of the Bhabhadighi Bachao Committee, had been protesting since 2017 against the proposed track passing over the Bhabhadighi pond, a stretch of about 900 metres. The Calcutta High Court had directed the state government and Eastern Railway to resolve the dispute, stressing that public interest must prevail.
To address the issue, Eastern Railway proposed the construction of a bridge over the pond. In March 2025, the High Court further instructed state officials to meet with Eastern Railway to expedite the project, again emphasising that public interest outweighed private interest in the water body.
While construction of most of the 82.5 km project has been completed, work had been stalled on the 900-metre Bhabhadighi stretch. The line, once operational, is expected to enhance connectivity between Tarakeswar, Arambagh, Goghat and Bishnupur, boost tourism, and foster economic growth in the region.
Sukumar Roy, secretary of Bhabhadighi Bachao Committee, welcomed the railway’s initiative to construct a bridge over the lake without filling it. “We honour and respect the court verdict. This long-delayed section of the railway project must be completed soon in the larger interest of common people and daily commuters,” he said.
He added that it was a matter of happiness for all that, respecting the court’s order, the railways had finally initiated work. Land around the approach to Bhabhadighi is now being cleared and levelled, with locals extending full cooperation.
However, a police presence has been maintained at the site to ensure the safety and security of officials and workers.
