NFR rolls out new plans for NewJalpaiguri, Hills

The NFR said it will also go on an eviction drive to clear encroachment in and around the existing railway station

SNS, SILIGURI, 5 DECEMBER 2022: The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) plans to complete work on upgrading the New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station in Siliguri to a world class model railway station ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in 2024.

The NFR today said it will also go on an eviction drive to clear encroachment in and around the existing railway station soon, while adding that train services will be taken up to Mirik in Darjeeling and Kalimpong in the near future.

According to the General Manager of the NFR, Anshul Gupta, the Railways would have to evict encroachers legally and shift some existing arrangements like the present parking lot to build a world class railway station.

In Siliguri today, Mr Gupta discussed the matter with officials concerned. He was here to attend an inaugural program for a VIP lounge and a foot over bridge at the Siliguri Junction Station today.

Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, accompanied by Mr Gupta and other officials, including the divisional railway manager, inaugurated the two facilities.

Speaking to reporters, Mr Gupta highlighted new railway projects in the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and new high-speed Vande Bharat Express train between New Jalpaiguri and Howrah in 2023.

According to GM Mr Gupta, infrastructure will be developed at NJP to provide maintenance facilities for the Vande Bharat train. Another work is going on the fitness of a 130 km stretch from Malda to NJP and work will be completed by March 2023.

Mr Gupta also claimed that the railway authorities have planned to make world class railway stations at different locations within the jurisdiction of the DHR, however, keeping intact the structure of heritage railway stations.                                                                   

"Railway authorities have planned to provide 24 hour of Toy Train services. Keeping in mind the tourists, the DHR will run the Toy Train in a short route even at night," Mr Gupta said, adding, "Tourists do not prefer long distance journey by the (DHR) train.

" Mr Gupta added that another world class railway staLion will come up at Rangpo and the route will be readied for train services by December 23. Stating that train services will be taken up to Kalimpong and even Mirik in the Hills, Mr Gupta said the Indian Railways has plans to include many other areas, including the Nepal and Bhutan borders, in the railway network. 

Asked to comment, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista said a feasibility study is going on as there is a scope to connect Mirik from Naxalbari. "Railway authorities will implement projects on demand and in the interest of the people," Mr Bista added. 

On the issue of drinking water supply projects with the help of the central government's financial assistance Mr Bista said: "I am unhappy with the poor quality of work for drinking water projects due to corruption in the administration and corrupt constructors are using poor quality pipe which will not last long. I will investigate it to take appropriate action."