Dedicated Freight Corridor for Dankuni: Budget Showers Major Boost on Poll-Bound Bengal

Kolkata: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday presented her ninth consecutive Union Budget (2026–27), announcing major infrastructure initiatives that are expected to significantly benefit West Bengal, an election-bound state. Among the key announcements was the proposal for a new Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) connecting Dankuni in the east to Surat in the west, a move seen as a major gift for Bengal’s logistics and industrial growth.

Presenting the Budget, Sitharaman said the government proposes to establish a new dedicated freight corridor linking Dankuni with Surat, aimed at strengthening India’s freight and logistics network. She also announced that 20 new national waterways will be made operational over the next five years, further enhancing multimodal connectivity.

The announcement places West Bengal firmly on the centre stage of the Centre’s ambitious infrastructure expansion plans. The Dankuni Freight Corridor is expected to improve cargo movement, reduce logistics costs, and boost industrial activity in the state.

Ambitious Vision for Logistics Sector
In Budget 2026, the Finance Minister outlined an expansive vision for India’s freight transportation system. The proposed Surat–Dankuni corridor, along with the expansion of inland waterways, is aimed at transforming the country’s logistics efficiency and supporting economic growth.

Dilip Ghosh Welcomes Budget
Reacting to the Budget, senior BJP leader Dilip Ghosh expressed confidence in the Centre’s policies. He said the decisions taken in Budget 2026 are in the interest of the people and national development. Targeting the opposition, Ghosh said the public has re-elected the present government three times because of its performance and vision.

He added that the BJP believes the Centre’s policies are focused on development, transparency, and public welfare. According to him, the people of West Bengal are now seeking development-oriented and honest politics, and the BJP’s priority is to ensure that central schemes reach the grassroots level.

BJP’s Focus on Election-Bound Bengal
West Bengal is set to witness Assembly elections within the next three months, making the Budget announcements politically significant. The BJP is making an aggressive push to dislodge Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is determined to retain power.

From Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to BJP president JP Nadda and newly appointed state leaders, the party’s top leadership has been consistently focusing on Bengal. Frequent visits by senior leaders underline the state’s political importance, and the Union Budget’s emphasis on Bengal reflects this strategic focus.