The state government has agreed to cover a part of the project cost for the extension of Metro to Dakshineswar. The Centre has asked the state government to share 50 per cent of the project costs. “They (state government) might agree to bear 33 per cent of the cost,” said Acharia.

“We have submitted the proposal. The response is positive,” he added.

There are also proposals for constructing terminals at Salt Gola (Howrah), Majerhat and Santragachi. The new terminals are expected to ease the congestion at the Howrah and Sealdah stations.

The Railways also has plans to set up a special railway task force for building up infrastructure in the Maoist-affected districts across the country. “This is particularly relevant in the context of the industrialisation that has recently set in West Bengal,” he added.

The Maoist-dominated districts of Purulia, Bankura and West Midnapore are under consideration. Acharia pointed out that in these three districts, the infrastructure has not been upgraded in the last 60 years.