New Delhi, 28th June – Marking a significant milestone in Indian Railways’ efforts to enhance regional rail connectivity and station infrastructure, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw along with Union MoS for Education, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, MP from Bishnupur, Saumitra Khan, MP from Howrah, Prasun Banerjee, railway officials & citizens, visited Santragachi Railway Station today.
During the visit, the Railway Minister inspected Santragachi station’s redevelopment progress under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, aimed at transforming Santragachi into a modern, world-class transit hub.
Following the inspection, Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw virtually flagged off the inaugural run of Train No. 08121 — MEMU service between Purulia and Howrah via Masagram, fulfilling demand of the region. The flag-off ceremony was joined virtually by dignitaries – MP from Purulia, Jyotirmoy Singh Mahato; MLA from Purulia, Sudip Kumar Mukherjee was joined from Purulia & MLA from Bankura, Niladri Sekhar Dana; MLA from Chhatna, Satyanarayan Mukhopadhyay; MLA from Onda, Amar Nath Shakha; MLA from Sonamukhi, Dibakar Gharami; MLA from Indus, Nirmal Kumar Dhara were joined from Bankura.
Highlights of the Event
Station Inspection: Ashwini Vaishnaw inspected infrastructure and passenger amenities at Santragachi Railway Station, as a part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme redevelopment.
Virtual Flag-Off: MEMU Train No. 08121 flagged off via video conferencing from Santragachi Railway Station.
Speaking at the event, Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “This MEMU train not only restores an important rail link but also revives the spirit of the historic Bankura Damodar Railway. The people of Purulia, Bankura, and Howrah now have access to a cleaner, faster, and more affordable rail travel. This is a proud moment for all of us.” He further stated, “The vision of our PM Narendra Modi has laid the foundation of this new Indian Railways and make it reality, over 1.2 million members of the Indian Railways family have been working with dedication. He also remarked, “Areas that once had miles to go have now witnessed rapid progress. In West Bengal alone, work is underway at around 101 stations under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme at an extraordinary pace. This is not just development, this is the creation of an entirely new format of Indian Railways. A new age is being crafted — with modern stations replacing those that are 50-60 years old. People today aspire for quality & for better experiences.”
About the New MEMU Service (Train No. 08121)
Route: Purulia – Bankura – Masagram – Howrah
Total Distance: 283 km
Fare: ₹60 (compared to ₹65 via the Kharagpur route)
Time Savings: 41 km reduction in distance
This MEMU service enhances east-west mobility within West Bengal state and provides a faster, cost-effective route for thousands of daily commuters, including office-goers, students, and traders.
Historical and Strategic Significance
Legacy: The route revives the legacy of the Bankura Damodar Railway, first launched in 1916, which was converted to Broad Gauge in 2005 and extended to Masagram by 2012.
Infrastructure: Electrification completed in 2021, paving the way for efficient train services.
Connectivity Boost: Masagram serves as a junction integrating South Eastern Railway’s Bankura–Masagram line with Eastern Railway’s Howrah–Barddhaman chord rail line.
Regional Impact: Expected to improve access, boost tourism, and facilitate industrial and economic growth across Purulia, Bankura, Hooghly, and Howrah districts.
Indian Railways continues to prioritize citizen-centric development and connectivity solutions, ensuring that growth and mobility reach every corner of the country.
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