The Sealdah Division of Eastern Railway has cleared seven limited‑height subway projects to stop pedestrians and vehicles from crossing active tracks. Positioned at critical points such as Ranaghat‑Gede and Bangaon‑Petrapole, the structures aim to boost safety and local mobility across suburban and rural zones.

Key Takeaways

  • Sealdah Division approves seven new subway projects
  • Subways will be built at seven high‑risk track‑crossing locations
  • Project enhances pedestrian safety, emergency access and local economy

On June 13, 2026, the Sealdah Division of Eastern Railways officially sanctioned the construction of seven limited‑height subways. The move targets chronic illegal track‑crossings by pedestrians, motorbikes, e‑rickshaws and four‑wheelers in areas where the nearest level‑crossing gates are several kilometres away.

Project Rationale

Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Rajeev Saxena emphasized, “Safety remains our foremost priority. These subways are not merely infrastructure projects; they are long‑term investments in protecting lives and improving connectivity for local communities.” By providing a grade‑separated passage beneath the rails, the subways are expected to dramatically lower accident risk.

Chosen Locations

Extensive field surveys, foot‑plate inspections, Train Vehicle Unit (TVU) movement analysis and community consultations identified seven critical points: Aranghata‑Bahirgachhi (Ranaghat‑Gede Section), Bagula‑Banpur (Ranaghat‑Gede), Karanjali‑NCPM (Lakshmikantapur‑Namkhana), Sonarpur‑Baruipur (SPR‑BDYP), Kakdwip‑Ukilerhat (Lakshmikantapur‑Namkhana), Bangaon‑Petrapole, and Krishnanagar‑Santipur. These corridors experience heavy mixed traffic due to the lack of convenient alternatives.

Safety and Socio‑Economic Impact

The proposed reinforced‑concrete box subways will create a complete separation between rail and road traffic, allowing pedestrians and local vehicles to pass safely underneath. Beyond reducing collisions, the structures will improve emergency response times, enable unhindered access to schools, hospitals, markets and government offices, and stimulate local commerce by easing daily commutes.

Implementation Timeline

Design finalisation is complete, and contractors have been instructed to commence work immediately. The projected completion window is two years, after which the subways will be fully operational. This initiative aligns with the Indian Government’s “Safe Railway” mission, marking a significant stride toward nationwide rail safety and community development.