Raiganj, Oct. 15 -- The district administration's notification for land acquisition for five major railway projects in North Dinajpur has raised hopes among residents for improved connectivity, economic growth and employment generation in the region.
The proposed projects include the construction of third and fourth railway lines between Kumerpur in Malda district and Aluabari Road station in North Dinajpur; new railway lines connecting Gazole in Malda with Itahar, Itahar with Raiganj, Raiganj with Dalkhola, and Itahar with Buniadpur in South Dinajpur.
Reportedly, the projects were approved in the Budget several years ago, but progress remained stalled for a long period. The latest notification for land acquisition has now raised expectations that the long-pending railway infrastructure projects may finally move towards implementation.
Since becoming the MP from Raiganj, Kartik Chandra Paul has repeatedly approached the Railway Ministry and held several meetings with railway officials to expedite the projects. Following these efforts, the district administration issued the land acquisition notification on the instructions of the Railway authorities.
Kartik Chandra Paul said: "We met railway officials several times, and finally, notifications have been issued for land acquisition for five important projects. As the new BJP government is now in power in the state, the land acquisition process will be completed within a short period."
He added that completion of the proposed railway lines would significantly strengthen railway infrastructure in North Dinajpur. The projects would also improve connectivity among North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur and Malda districts, while creating substantial employment opportunities.
Anjan Roy, a social worker from Raiganj, said: "If all five projects are completed, they will improve transportation facilities and strengthen economic activities in North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur and Malda.
The land acquisition notification has raised hopes of further development in the region".
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.