Sealdah Railway Station Set for Renaming Amid Capacity Expansion Plans

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 3, 2024, Kolkata: During a recent visit to Sealdah Railway Station, India’s Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced significant changes aimed at enhancing passenger capacity, including extending the coaches of several trains. This initiative will allow an additional three lakh passengers to travel from the station, addressing the growing demand for rail services.

Vaishnaw emphasized the necessity of expanding platforms and increasing the number of rail coaches to accommodate the rising number of commuters. He also introduced the new Azimganj Kasimbazar train during his visit.

In a related development, the Bengal BJP has reiterated its demand to rename Sealdah Railway Station. BJP leader Shamik Bhattacharya conveyed this request to the Railway Minister, highlighting the historical significance of the name they propose: Shyamaprasad Mukherjee. Bhattacharya remarked on the “bloody history” associated with the station, noting its importance in the lives of countless individuals who passed through it.

During the event, Bhattacharya stated, "We expressed our demand in the presence of the Railway Minister. He assured us that he would look into the matter." The proposal to rename the station reflects the BJP’s efforts to honor historical figures in the region and reshape the narrative surrounding the station's identity.

As discussions around the renaming continue, the government is also focused on implementing improvements to ensure better services for travelers at one of Kolkata’s busiest railway hubs.