Rs 117 cr project for platform extension in Sealdah division
The Statesman | 5 December 2025
Aiming to enhance train operations, Sealdah Division of the Eastern Railway has undertaken a project worth Rs 117 crore for platform extension across its jurisdiction.
According to official sources, presently, platform length is posing a hurdle at several stations hindering accommodation of long-distance trains. The rakes of many recently introduced trains covering long distances have 24 coaches. However, the platform lengths at many of the stations under Sealdah Division do not have enough space to accommodate such rakes. Inadequate platform lengths also cause double stoppages, congestion, and delays.
To undertake the project, the divisional railway has identified 11 stations where platforms are to be extended soon. The extension work would be done at more than one platform at all the 11 selected stations including Dakshineswar, Barrackpore, Naihati, Kalyani, Krishnanagar City Junction, Debagram, Rejinagar, Beldanaga, Berhampore Court, Jiagunj and Bhagwangola under the division.
Of the 11 stations, Dakshineswar, Kalyani, Krishnanagar City Junction, Beldanaga and Berhampore Court are set for major extension where platform lengths are to be extended by more than 100 meters even going up to 295 metres at Kalyani, Krishnanagar City Junction stations. Sealdah station also underwent a massive infrastructural remodelling with platform extensions last year.
As elaborated by the Divisional Railway Manager of Sealdah, Rajeev Saxena, the extension of the platforms would enable readiness for longer LHB trains which is required with the anticipated rise in passenger demand. This would support expansion and transition to LHB stock. Extending platforms would also ensure full-length berthing, lower dwell time, improved punctuality, helping in enhancing operational efficiency. For the passengers, the length extension of platforms would provide enhanced safety by eliminating unsafe entrainment/detrainment. It would also help in reducing overcrowding creating room for higher capacity and efficient handling of large passenger volumes.