The West Bengal government has announced plans to extend metro rail connectivity beyond Kolkata for the first time, proposing new metro projects in Asansol, Durgapur, Siliguri, and Jalpaiguri. The initiative is aimed at strengthening urban transport infrastructure in some of the state’s fastest-growing cities while supporting economic development and improving daily commuting.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the proposal while addressing the media, stating that the state government will ask the Chief Secretary to prepare detailed project reports (DPRs) for the proposed metro corridors. The projects are intended to provide a modern, efficient, and sustainable public transport network for cities witnessing rapid urbanisation and increasing traffic congestion.
The proposed expansion marks a significant step in West Bengal’s urban mobility strategy. Until now, metro rail services have been limited to the Kolkata Metropolitan Area. The new proposal seeks to replicate the success of metro networks in other Indian cities by introducing rapid transit systems in emerging urban centres.
Focus on Growing Urban Centres
Asansol, Durgapur, Siliguri, and Jalpaiguri have experienced steady population growth, industrial expansion, and increasing commercial activity over the past decade. Rising vehicle ownership has led to traffic congestion and longer travel times, highlighting the need for efficient mass transit solutions.
Asansol and Durgapur are among eastern India’s major industrial hubs, with significant steel, mining, manufacturing, and engineering activities. Improved metro connectivity could enhance workforce mobility, reduce dependence on private vehicles, and support industrial growth.
Siliguri serves as the gateway to Northeast India and connects West Bengal with Sikkim, Bhutan, and Nepal. The city is an important commercial and logistics centre with increasing passenger movement. Jalpaiguri, together with nearby New Jalpaiguri, has also witnessed rapid urban development and serves as a major railway junction for the region.
Although New Jalpaiguri has strong railway connectivity through services such as the Nagercoil–New Jalpaiguri and Amritsar–New Jalpaiguri Amrit Bharat Express trains, there is currently no metro network to facilitate intra-city travel. The proposed metro projects are expected to bridge this gap by offering faster, reliable, and environmentally sustainable transportation.
Funding Through Multilateral Agencies
The West Bengal government plans to explore financial assistance from international institutions, including the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), to support the implementation of the metro projects. According to the Chief Minister, the state will prepare comprehensive proposals and seek funding under models adopted for metro projects in several other Indian states.
Multilateral funding could help reduce the financial burden on the state while ensuring access to technical expertise in project planning, execution, and urban transport management. Similar funding mechanisms have been used successfully for metro rail projects in several cities across India.
Kolkata Metro to Remain Under Railways
The Chief Minister clarified that the existing Kolkata Metro will continue to be managed by the Ministry of Railways. The Railway Ministry will remain responsible for maintaining, operating, and expanding the Kolkata Metro network, while the West Bengal government will provide the necessary support for future development.
The proposed metro expansion reflects the state’s long-term vision of developing integrated urban transport infrastructure beyond the capital city. If implemented, the projects are expected to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, support economic activity, encourage transit-oriented development, and enhance the quality of life for residents in West Bengal’s emerging urban centres.
