Ranaghat station to get direct North Bengal link, AC local from Sealdah proposed

Ranaghat station in Nadia district is set for major infrastructure development, with plans to designate it as a model railway station and establish direct connectivity with North Bengal. Railway officials have proposed the introduction of an air-conditioned (AC) local train between Sealdah and Ranaghat to improve passenger comfort during the summer months. Additionally, proposals are under consideration to initiate express train services to North Bengal from Ranaghat itself. These steps aim to reduce travel time between South and North Bengal by up to three hours.

Currently, passengers traveling from Ranaghat and surrounding areas to North Bengal must commute via major junctions like Sealdah, Naihati, or Howrah. The proposed changes would eliminate the need for this detour, making Ranaghat a key origin point for long-distance travel towards North Bengal. This realignment is expected to distribute rail traffic more efficiently and reduce congestion at the existing terminal stations. Ranaghat already serves as a junction for routes connecting Shantipur, Krishnanagar, Bangaon, and Gede.

Historically, the Darjeeling Mail used to pass through Nadia district and connect South Bengal with North Bengal directly. However, this route was discontinued after the 1961 floods severely damaged a railway bridge, cutting off the passage. The new plan to connect Ranaghat directly with North Bengal is seen as a structural restoration of an earlier route, although no official reference has been made regarding the timeline of implementation or the exact alignment.

Ranaghat is also known for its historical associations, with notable figures such as Rabindranath Tagore, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay, Pritilata Waddedar, Bagha Jatin, and Kazi Nazrul Islam having visited the town. The upcoming developments are expected to enhance the strategic and logistical relevance of the station in Bengal’s rail map. Ranaghat residents have responded positively to the news, noting that direct access to North Bengal would significantly reduce travel effort and improve connectivity.