Air-Conditioned EMU train service between Sealdah and Ranaghat flagged off

A HISTORIC STRIDE IN RAILWAY SERVICES FOR THE PEOPLE OF WEST BENGAL

Air-Conditioned EMU train service between Sealdah and Ranaghat flagged off

Ushering in the new era of comfortable suburban journey for the people of West Bengal, the long-awaited Air-Conditioned EMU (Electric Multiple Unit) train service between Sealdah and Ranaghat was flagged off by Sukanta Majumdar,Union Minister of State for Education & Development of the North Eastern Region, and Shantanu Thakur, Hon?ble Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways today (10.08.2025) from Sealdah Railway Station in presence of Shri Samik Bhattacharya, Hon?ble Member of Parliament,Jagannath Sarkar,Member of Parliament and other dignitaries.Milind Deouskar, General Manager/Eastern Railway,Rajeev Saxena, Divisional Railway Manager/Sealdah and Principal Officers of Eastern Railway were also present at the occasion.

Milind Deouskar, General Manager/Eastern Railway delivered the welcome speech in which he mentioned that the AC EMU service introduced between Sealdah & Ranaghat is the first of its kind in Eastern India. This train will run in morning and evening peak hours for a comfortable journey of suburban passengers between Ranaghat & Sealdah.

Jagannath Sarkar,Member of Parliament, in his speech appealed to the commuters between Ranaghat & Sealdah to purchase monthly tickets and also spread the message for patronising this coveted AC EMU service so that more such trains can be available in future.

Samik Bhattacharya,Member of Parliament, revealed how the Union Government is trying hard for all-round development of Railway network in West Bengal. Marching ahead in this direction, Railway Ministry has introduced the AC EMU services from Sealdah.

Shantanu Thakur,Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways expressed thanks to Prime Minister and Minister for Railways for taking such initiatives towards running of AC EMU train from Sealdah for the comfortable journey of suburban passengers of this journey.

Sukanta Majumdar,Union Minister of State for Education & Development of the North Eastern Region mentioned that the Eastern Railway has created history by running the first AC EMU local between Sealdah & Ranaghat. He also mentioned how various initiatives of the Union Government is putting impetus to the socio-economic development in West Bengal like historic increase in Railway Budget allocation, development of Amrit Bharat stations, OSOP (One Station One Product) stalls for the benefit of local artisans and indigenous industries.

This launch marks a defining chapter for suburban railway connectivity in Eastern India, particularly for the thousands of daily commuters between Sealdah and Ranaghat. For the first time, the Eastern Region introduces an air-conditioned EMU service, setting a new benchmark for comfort and convenience in local rail travel. This new 12-car AC EMU rake is a three-phase, underslung-type marvel of modern engineering. Each coach is fully air-conditioned, equipped with dual 15-ton roof-mounted packaged units for optimal cooling. Commuters will enjoy panoramic views through wide, double-sealed glass windows while experiencing smooth travel facilitated by wide vestibule gangways interconnecting all the coaches. With a capacity to seat over 1,100 passengers, these rakes prioritize both comfort and safety. The coaches come with stainless steel three-seater arrangements and aluminium modular luggage racks. Each coach features four automatic, electrically operated sliding doors on both sides, ensuring quick and efficient boarding and deboarding. To further enhance safety, the train is equipped with high-resolution CCTV surveillance, with four cameras installed in each coach.

Among the train passenger-friendly features is a GPS-enabled LED passenger information system that offers real-time updates and automatic audio announcements. Emergency talk-back units at every doorway allow passengers to immediately alert the motorman or guard in case of distress. An emergency alarm system is also integrated to bring the train to a stop if necessary. Two dedicated women coaches, located at each end of the rake, ensure safety and comfort for female commuters. The inclusion of such modern safety features, coupled with clean and cool interiors, represents a major upgrade in the region?s suburban rail service.

Regular commercial run of this train will commence from 11.08.2025 (Monday). The train is scheduled to leave Ranaghat at 08:29 AM to reach Sealdah at 10:10 AM during the morning peak, and in the evening, it will leave Sealdah at 6:50 PM to reach Ranaghat at 8:32 PM. The train will stop at Bidhannagar Road, Dum Dum Junction, Sodpur, Khardaha, Barrackpore, Naihati, Kanchrapara, Kalyani, and Chakdaha. To keep this premium yet accessible, the fare has been fixed affordably with a minimum of ₹35 and a maximum of ₹120 for the full stretch of journey from Sealdah to Ranaghat.

Today inauguration signifies not just the launch of a new train, but the beginning of a modern, comfortable, and secure commuting experience for thousands across Bengal. It reflects the Railway continued commitment to improving infrastructure, urban mobility, and the overall quality of life for the public.