Feasibility report outlines four high‑speed corridors and a dedicated metro for Durgapur‑Asansol

An initial feasibility study prepared by transit analysts Saurdeep Sarkar and Aadrri Roy Chaudhary has been attached to MP Samik Bhatta’s correspondence with the Union Housing Ministry. The document presents a detailed scheme for a West Bengal RRTS network that centres Kolkata as a primary hub.

Key highlights include: • Four proposed corridors covering 102‑232 kilometres each, linking strategic cities such as Kalyani, Krishnanagar, Mayapur, Bardwan, Durgapur, Asansol, Falta, Diamond Harbour, Haldiya, Santaragachhi, Kolaghat, Khardaha and Medinipur. • A dedicated metro line exclusively for the Durgapur‑Asansol segment, acknowledging the high commuter density and industrial activity in the area. • Alignment of routes with existing national highways and railway tracks to keep land acquisition to a minimum. • Recommendation to establish a West Bengal Rapid Transit Corporation (WBRTC) as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) jointly owned by the central and state governments.

The study argues that the RRTS could deliver metro‑like speeds, making it a viable solution for daily commuters and freight movement alike. It calls for a comprehensive feasibility assessment covering engineering design, passenger demand forecasting and financial viability before any implementation steps.

The authors have offered to brief officials and assist in further technical discussions, underscoring the collaborative spirit of the proposal.