KOLKATA (Metro Rail News): A proposal to develop a Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) network across South Bengal has been placed before the Centre, with plans to connect Kolkata with key urban, industrial, port and tourism centres.
Rajya Sabha MP Shri. Samik Bhattacharya has urged Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to examine a preliminary feasibility proposal for a West Bengal Regional Rapid Transit System (WB-RRTS).
The proposed network would follow the broad model of the Namo Bharat RRTS corridors developed by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC). The plan aims to provide faster regional connections between Kolkata and cities that currently rely mainly on conventional rail and road networks.
Four RRTS corridors proposed
In his letter he proposes four RRTS corridors radiating from the Central hub at Maidan, Kolkata.
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| Corridors | Length |
| Kalyani-Krishnanagar-Mayapur | 135 km |
| Bardhaman-Durgapur-Asansol | 232 km (With integrated Asansol Metro) |
| Falta-Diamond Harbour-Haldia | 102 km (With integrated Maidan to Budge Budge Metro) |
| Santragachi-Kolaghat-Medinipur | 135 km |
In the letter he requested for Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) for South Bengal, connecting Kolkata with Kalyani, Krishnanagar,Mayapur,Durgapur, Asansol,Diamond Harbour,Haldia,Kharagpur and Medinipur.
According to Bhattacharya’s proposal, Kolkata remains the principal urban centre, while cities such as Kalyani,Krishnanagar,Burdwan,Durgapur,Asansol,Haldia,Kharagpur
and Medinipur have developed exponentially into important industrial, educational, commercial, port and tourism centres.
The proposal argues that connections between these centres currently depend heavily on conventional railways and highways, which can face congestion and are not designed for high frequency commuter travel.
WBRTC proposed as dedicated agency
The proposal also recommends setting up a West Bengal Rapid Transit corporation (WBRTC) as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). The proposed alignment will follow the institutional structure of NCRTC, with participation from both the Government of India and Government of West Bengal.
The proposal aims to provide faster regional passenger connectivity, improve links between Kolkata and regional economic centres, and support commuting, industrial activity and multimodal transport integration.
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