Sealdah–Ranaghat: West Bengal’s First AC Local Train

West Bengal has introduced its first-ever fully air-conditioned (AC) local train service between Sealdah and Ranaghat, marking a significant milestone in the state’s railway modernization. The inaugural run took place on August 10, 2025, and the commercial operations began on August 11, 2025.

This new AC local train, developed by the Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF), features 12 stainless steel coaches providing seating for 1,126 passengers. It is designed as a "galloping" service, which means it stops only at key stations such as Chakdah, Kalyani, Kanchrapara, Naihati, Barrackpore, Khardah, Sodepur, Dumdum, and Bidhannagar, making the journey faster. The train runs at a top speed of 110 km/h and covers the Sealdah to Ranaghat stretch in about 1 hour 40 minutes, significantly benefiting daily commuters on this busy suburban route.

Importantly, the fare structure has been made affordable to encourage wide usage. The full journey costs Rs 120, with the lowest fare for shorter distances starting at Rs 29. Commuters can choose among daily, weekly, fortnightly, and monthly tickets, enhancing convenience for regular travelers.

The train is equipped with modern amenities for passenger safety and comfort. These include CCTV surveillance, automatic sliding doors that operate only at stations, wide double-sealed glass windows, aluminium luggage racks, and GPS-based LED information displays. The coaches have wear-resistant rubber flooring and are connected by wide vestibule gangways for easy movement between cars.

From a broader perspective, this launch represents a meaningful step towards upgrading suburban transportation in West Bengal, which has long grappled with overcrowding and heat discomfort in local trains. Many commuters welcomed the arrival of AC trains as a respite from the region's often sweltering climate. However, some expressed concerns about whether a single AC local train could adequately address issues such as overcrowding and punctuality. For instance, a daily commuter from Barrackpore commented that while AC trains are welcome, one train alone cannot solve the problem of crowding. Similarly, a school teacher commuting from Kalyani noted that sometimes space to stand is limited, and timely service is equally important as comfort.

The East Indian Railway's initiative thus balances modern comfort with affordability, aiming to improve the quality of suburban train travel while remaining accessible to ordinary passengers. Over time, expanding such services across routes could help transform daily commuting experiences amid Kolkata’s dense rail network.

In conclusion, the Sealdah-Ranaghat AC local train heralds a new era of suburban rail service in West Bengal, blending advanced technology, passenger comfort, and affordability to meet evolving commuter needs—though it also highlights the ongoing challenges of managing high demand in a busy public transit system.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies