Kolkata, Aug 16: Railway Minister Nitish Kumar today said the Kolkata port area will soon get a new container terminal. Speaking on the 150th anniversary of the Eastern Railway, Mr Kumar said that process is also on for a new mega railway terminal at Shalimar.
Kolkata Port Trust (KOPT) has promised to offer land for the container terminal and it will enhance the port's transport and handling activities, he said. ''The proposed terminal will increase activities in the hinterland areas of Jharkhand, Bihar, Orissa and the southern part,'' the railway minister said.
Several proposals for Kolkata have been finalised by the railways and that of the Rs 500 crore Shalimar project is in the process of discussion in the Planning Commission and the concerned ministry, he said. Regarding the Chitpur terminal, he said the Rs 100 crore terminal will come up within two years time.
The river banks along the circular rail will also be beautified in due course of time, Mr Kumar said.
Mr Kumar said he is proud to be part of the 150th anniversary programme of Eastern Railway, which presently has 1,400 trains running in the region.
Speaking on the occasion, West Bengal Governor Viren J Shah said, ''Safety measures should be given maximum priority to ensure a safe journey for the passengers.'' Bureau Report