Budget for New Jalpaiguri Station Revamp Increased to ₹500 Crore

 

The central government has approved an enhanced budget of ₹500 crore for the New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station redevelopment project, a major gateway for North Bengal and the Northeast. The project, initially sanctioned at ₹334 crore under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, has been revised to incorporate expanded public conveniences and upgraded passenger amenities, according to Darjeeling MP Raju Bista.

During a project review on Friday, Bista said the redevelopment will position NJP as a world-class transit hub supporting the Darjeeling hills, Terai, Dooars, and adjoining regions. Once completed, the station’s capacity is expected to double—from the current 60,000 passengers per day to nearly 1.2 lakh—enabling more efficient operations and meeting rising travel demand.

Key components of the redesigned station include an airport-style terminal, a spacious air concourse, premium waiting lounges, and a modern glass façade. The plan also features 12 escalators, 10 lifts, wider platforms, improved lighting, and a streamlined arrival-departure system to reduce congestion. A dedicated Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) section will allow tourists seamless access to the iconic world-heritage toy train.

Sustainability has been integrated into the project through solar power systems, eco-friendly installations, enhanced CCTV surveillance, and upgraded parking infrastructure. Portions of the arrival and departure zones are slated for completion by March 2026, with full project delivery targeted for March 2027.

The review meeting was attended by Dabgram-Fulbari MLA Sikha Chatterjee, DRM Katihar Kirendra Narah, ARDM Ajay Singh, and other senior railway officials.

New Jalpaiguri Station,

NJP Redevelopment,

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme,

Railway Infrastructure India,

North Bengal Transport,

Raju Bista,

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway,

Station Modernization,

Passenger Amenities Upgrade,

Indian Railways Projects,

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