Ashish Bansal Conducts Safety Inspection and Reviews Progress of Balurghat–Hili New Line Project
· Free Press Journal
Ashish Bansal, General Manager/Construction of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) conducted a comprehensive safety inspection and detailed review of ongoing developmental works in the Eklakhi - Balurghat and Balurghat - Hili sections during his visit on 20th May, 2026. The inspection focused on assessment of railway infrastructure, track conditions, station development works, bridges, passenger amenities, operational preparedness and overall progress of construction activities under the Balurghat - Hili New Broad Gauge Line Project.
The Balurghat - Hili New Broad Gauge Line Project, having a total length of 29.257 km in Dakshin Dinajpur district of West Bengal, is being executed at an anticipated cost of Rs. 1181.09 crore. The project aims to strengthen rail connectivity in the region and accelerate socio-economic development. For execution of the project, 100% land acquisition covering 156.38 hectares has already been completed and the land has been handed over to Railways. The project includes construction of 11 major bridges, 43 minor bridges, station buildings, road over bridges (ROB), road under bridges (RUB), staff quarters, track formation and other related railway infrastructure works. Various developmental activities are progressing continuously in different sections of the project to ensure timely completion. The target date for completion of the project has been fixed as March 2027.
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During the inspection, special emphasis was laid on safety standards, quality of construction works, progress of bridge works, station infrastructure, utility shifting and operational preparedness to ensure safe and reliable train operations in future. The General Manager also reviewed progress of important infrastructure works being executed under the project, including major bridges, minor bridges, road over bridges, road under bridges and station-related development works. Ongoing Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) works in the Balurghat - Kumedpur and Labha - Kumedpur sections were also assessed during the inspection.
On 21st May, 2026, trolley inspection activities also continued for further review of safety aspects and progress of ongoing developmental works in the section. Senior officials from Headquarters along with Katihar divisional officials accompanied the inspection programme. The visit reflects Northeast Frontier Railway’s continued commitment towards strengthening railway infrastructure, enhancing safety standards and accelerating developmental activities for providing safer, faster and more efficient rail services across the region.