Eastern Railway organised a high-level Divisional Committee Meeting with Hon’ble Members of Parliament of the Asansol and Malda Divisional network today (20.01.2026) at Asansol, in the august presence of Shri Milind Deouskar, General Manager, Eastern Railway. The meeting was convened to deliberate on key issues and major developmental initiatives pertaining to Asansol and Malda Divisions.
During the meeting, detailed presentations were made highlighting extensive infrastructure upgradation, passenger-centric initiatives and operational improvements undertaken by both divisions over the past year. These initiatives were highly appreciated by the Chairperson of the meeting, Shri Shatrughan Sinha, particularly the large-scale provision of lifts and escalators, redevelopment of stations and significant enhancement of passenger amenities.
Principal Heads of Departments of Eastern Railway, including CAO (Construction), PCE, PCCM, PCOM, CAO (Construction–RSP), PCEE, PCSTE, PCME and IG-cum-PCSC, along with the Divisional Railway Manager of Malda Division Shri Manish Kumar Gupta and DRM,Asansol and DGM (G), Eastern Railway, were present during the meeting.
Several Hon’ble Members of Parliament participated in the meeting, including Shri Shatrughan Sinha (Asansol), Shri Giridhari Yadav (Banka), Shri Nalin Soren (Dumka), Shri Ajay Kumar Mandal (Bhagalpur) and Dr. Sarfraz Ahmad, Hon’ble Member of Rajya Sabha. Representatives of other Hon’ble Members of Parliament from Jamui, Durgapur, Dhanbad, Giridih, Birbhum, Malda, Uttar Malda, Koderma, Godda and Jangipur were also present.
The Divisional Railway Managers of Asansol and Malda apprised the Hon’ble Members about several landmark works and achievements, including redevelopment of major stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme with modern concourses, improved waiting halls, upgraded circulating areas and Divyangjan-friendly facilities.
Extensive installation of lifts and escalators at key stations of both divisions was highlighted, significantly improving accessibility for senior citizens, women and Divyangjan passengers. This initiative received special appreciation from the Chairperson of the meeting.
The meeting was also informed about the introduction and extension of new train services, including Amrit Bharat Express trains, and conversion of several long-distance trains to LHB rakes. A historic milestone was noted with the inauguration of India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train passing through Malda Division, along with Amrit Bharat Express services, flagged off by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Other major initiatives discussed included commissioning of Electronic Interlocking systems, yard remodelling, safety fencing for 130 kmph operations, strengthening of signalling and telecom assets, and enhancement of passenger amenities such as Coach Indication Boards, Train Indication Boards, CCTV surveillance, mechanised cleaning, free Wi-Fi, baby feeding rooms, water vending machines, One Station One Product (OSOP) stalls and PMBJK facilities.
It was highlighted that a large number of new train stoppages were provided during the last year at stations across both divisions, addressing long-pending public demands. Hon’ble Members of Parliament and their representatives offered constructive suggestions for additional stoppages at certain stations, which were welcomed for further examination.
Both divisions also successfully operated a large number of festival special trains, including Shravani Mela, summer and festive specials, ensuring smooth travel during peak demand periods. These services greatly benefited pilgrims, migrant workers and long-distance passengers across Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
Hon’ble Members of Parliament expressed satisfaction over the pace of development and appreciated Eastern Railway’s proactive approach. Suggestions were made regarding enhanced connectivity, additional stoppages, replacement of rakes, introduction of new services, construction of Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and further improvement of passenger amenities.
Shri Milind Deouskar, General Manager, Eastern Railway, assured the Hon’ble Members that all suggestions would be examined from technical and economic perspectives and pursued with the Railway Board, reaffirming Eastern Railway’s commitment to safety, passenger convenience and inclusive development.