ER plans multiple ROBs in state, Vaishnaw likely to visit city soon
The Statesman | 29 May 2026
With change in regime, the Eastern Railway is now putting efforts to expedite construction of as many roads over bridges in the state as possible to overcome the issues of level crossing gates.
The level crossing gates in various parts of the state have become a roadblock in enhancing the speed of trains operated by the Eastern Railway. It also poses danger to the citizens on both sides of the gates particularly while trying to cross them. As informed by the General Manager of the Eastern Railway, Millind Deoskar, despite repeated efforts of the zonal railway to replace the level crossing gates with ROBs, the response of the previous regime kept the pace of the work stalled.
However, the zonal railway is now hoping to construct at least 60 ROBs in West Bengal to overcome the difficulties brought by the level crossing gates. With the completion of the work on ROBs, the ER is expecting to run trains at an enhanced speed while offering improved safety.
Apart from the ROBs, the zonal railway is also hopeful of starting a third line between Sealdah-Ranaghat-Krishnanagar. Another project that has got impetus recently is the one between Ranaghat and Bangaon. Apart from this, work on automatic signalling is also being carried out at a fast pace.
Notably, around 61 rail projects were stalled due to land hurdles and other political issues for a long time. The state chief secretary has been appointed a nodal officer to coordinate on various projects. According to sources, the railways minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, may visit the state soon. However, the railway minister’s visit is yet to be confirmed officially.