On Thursday, the Ministry of Railways revived the Prantik – Siuri new line project for quick execution. Earlier, the Railway Board had sanctioned Prantik – Siuri new line (33.98 Km) as material modification for the work of doubling between Chinpai – Sainthia (31.61 Km). However, the decision to execute this new line project between Prantik – Siuri was kept pending.
A rail link between Prantik and Siuri will create a alternate route connecting the Sahibganj Loop (at Prantik) with the Andal – Sainthia branch line at Siuri.
Benefit:
Siuri is the administrative headquarters of the Birbhum District. Bolpur/Prantik is the largest sub-divisional town and a major educational hub. A direct rail link will facilitate efficient movement for the public between the administrative seat and the cultural capital of the district.
Tourism development: The line strengthens tourism around UNESCO-listed Santiniketan, Bakreswar hot springs, and Tarapith.
The line directly connects students from the district headquarters and western Birbhum (Rajnagar/Dubrajpur areas) to Visva Bharati University (Santiniketan) and other educational institutes, expanding the catchment area of these institutions.
