Sealdah to get AC local on Bangaon route, new Kolkata–Malda intercity from July 18

Eastern Railway's Sealdah division is set to introduce a new air-conditioned local train on the Bangaon branch line, expected to begin service this week. The train is likely to run between Barasat and Bangaon. An AC local rake is already stationed in the car shed, which is planned to be operated on the Sealdah–Ranaghat route. Both services are part of the division’s expanded suburban operations.

Railway sources have indicated that the inauguration of the Bangaon AC local and a new Kolkata–Malda Intercity Express is being planned for July 18. A formal nationwide virtual inauguration ceremony, led from Delhi, is expected on the same day. The Sealdah division is preparing to begin operations of both services immediately after the formal launch.

The AC locals are designed as “galloping” trains, meaning they will make fewer stops to reduce travel time for long-distance suburban passengers. In addition to this, the Kolkata–Malda Intercity Express will run twice a week—on Saturdays and Sundays. The train will follow a route via Ranaghat, Murshidabad, and Azimganj before reaching Malda, connecting key regions across South and North Bengal.

Official schedules and ticket fares for the two new services have not yet been declared. Preliminary internal estimates for the AC local fare have been prepared, but no formal communication has been issued. Information on the fare structure for the Intercity Express is still pending. Railway officials have confirmed that detailed announcements regarding timings and pricing will be made shortly.