NJP Railway Station Redevelopment Set to Transform North Bengal’s Transport Hub- Budget Revised to Rs 500 Crore

KalimNews, 29 Nov 2025, Siliguri: The redevelopment of New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station, a pivotal gateway to North Bengal and the Northeast, is progressing rapidly as the Central Amrit Bharat Station Scheme spearheads a major transformation. On Friday, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista reviewed the ongoing work, marking a crucial milestone in the project’s development. Originally approved with a budget of Rs 334 crore, the redevelopment plan has now seen a revised allocation of Rs 500 crore to accommodate additional public conveniences and modern amenities.

Bista expressed his satisfaction with the project’s progress and highlighted the importance of this upgrade for the growing travel demands of the region. “This redevelopment will not only improve passenger facilities but also double the station’s capacity, ensuring smoother, more efficient operations for the thousands of commuters who rely on this crucial transport hub,” he said.

Currently, NJP accommodates nearly 60,000 passengers daily. Upon completion of the redevelopment, this capacity will rise to an impressive 120,000 passengers per day. With such an expansion, NJP is poised to become a world-class railway station capable of handling the increasing flow of both local commuters and tourists from the Darjeeling hills, the Terai, Dooars, and the entire Northeast.

Scheduled for full completion by March 2027, the first phase of the redevelopment, which includes portions of the arrival and departure sections, is expected to be ready by March 2026. The redesigned station will feature an airport-style terminal with a large, air-conditioned concourse, modern waiting areas, and a sleek glass façade. In an effort to enhance passenger comfort and ease of movement, the station will also include 12 escalators, 10 lifts, wider platforms, and improved lighting. To alleviate congestion, the new design will ensure separate pathways for arrivals and departures.

A key highlight of the redevelopment is the dedicated section for the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), where tourists will be able to board the iconic toy train directly from the station. This addition is expected to boost tourism and provide greater access to the world heritage site.

The project will also prioritise sustainability, with solar power systems and eco-friendly technologies incorporated into the station's design. In addition, the upgraded station will feature comprehensive CCTV surveillance for enhanced security and a larger parking area to accommodate the growing number of vehicles.

“The redevelopment of NJP is not just about increasing capacity; it is about setting a new standard in railway station infrastructure. With a focus on modernity, sustainability, and passenger comfort, the station will become a model of excellence in the region,” Bista added.

The review meeting was attended by Dabgram–Fulbari MLA Sikha Chatterjee, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Katihar Kirendra Narah, and Assistant Railway Divisional Manager (ARDM) Ajay Singh, along with other senior railway officials. Together, they discussed the next steps in the redevelopment process and reviewed the progress made so far.

Once completed, NJP will stand as a testament to the region's commitment to modernisation and infrastructure development, enhancing the travel experience for commuters and tourists alike. The project is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting the region’s economic growth and improving connectivity across North Bengal and the Northeast.