Bardhaman–Asansol section - Revision history

Proctocure at 15:45, 21 October 2025

2025-10-21T15:45:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:15, 21 October 2025
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	{{Infobox rail line		{{Infobox rail line
	\| box_width = 28em		\| box_width = 28em
	\| name = [[File:Indian_Railways_Suburban_Railway_Logo.svg\|50px]] ~~Bardhaman–Asansol~~ section		\| name = [[File:Indian_Railways_Suburban_Railway_Logo.svg\|50px]] Barddhaman–Asansol section
	\| color = 800000		\| color = 800000
	\| logo = <!-- Do NOT place a non-free image here without complying with WP:NFCC #10c -->		\| logo = <!-- Do NOT place a non-free image here without complying with WP:NFCC #10c -->
Line 35:		Line 35:
	\| racksystem =		\| racksystem =
	\| electrification = 25 kV AC overhead in 1960−66		\| electrification = 25 kV AC overhead in 1960−66
	\| speed = up to ~~{{convert\|160\|km/h\|abbr=on}}~~		\| speed = up to 130 kmph (80 mph)
	\| elevation =		\| elevation =
	\| website =		\| website =
	\| map = {{Bardhaman–Asansol section\|inline=~~1\|collapse=no~~}}		\| map = {{Bardhaman–Asansol section\|inline=y}}
	\| map_state = collapsed		\| map_state = collapsed
	}}		}}
	The '''~~Bardhaman–Asansol~~ section''' is a railway line connecting {{stnlnk\|Bardhaman}} and {{stnlnk\|Asansol}}. This {{convert\|106\|km}} track is part of the [[Howrah–Delhi main line]], [[Howrah–Gaya–Delhi line]] and [[Howrah–Allahabad–Mumbai line]]. It is under the jurisdiction of [[Eastern Railway zone\|Eastern Railway]], and is connected to the [[South Eastern Railway zone\|South Eastern Railway]] through Asansol–Adra line at Asansol Jn and Kalipahari–Damodar connector at Kalipahari (this line is only used by freight trains).		The '''Barddhaman–Asansol section''' is a railway line connecting {{stnlnk\|Bardhaman}} and {{stnlnk\|Asansol}}. This {{convert\|106\|km}} track is part of the [[Howrah–Delhi main line]], [[Howrah–Gaya–Delhi line]] and [[Howrah–Allahabad–Mumbai line]]. It is under the jurisdiction of [[Eastern Railway zone\|Eastern Railway]], and is connected to the [[South Eastern Railway zone\|South Eastern Railway]] through Asansol–Adra line at Asansol Jn and Kalipahari–Damodar connector at Kalipahari (this line is only used by freight trains).

	==History==		==History==
Line 51:		Line 51:
	After the first run of a train in Eastern India from {{stnlnk\|Howrah}} to {{stnlnk\|Hooghly}} in 1854, [[East Indian Railway Company]] extended the tracks to Raniganj, beyond the plans of the route to Delhi, and on 1 February 1855, the first train ran from Hooghly to Raniganj.<ref name=timeline/> The railways were extended to Asansol in July 1863.<ref>{{cite web \|url = http://www.irfca.org/~mrinal/asansol.html \|title = Asansol \|access-date = 2011-11-12 \|publisher = Rail India \|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170507171611/http://www.irfca.org/~mrinal/asansol.html \|archive-date = 7 May 2017 \|url-status = dead }}</ref>		After the first run of a train in Eastern India from {{stnlnk\|Howrah}} to {{stnlnk\|Hooghly}} in 1854, [[East Indian Railway Company]] extended the tracks to Raniganj, beyond the plans of the route to Delhi, and on 1 February 1855, the first train ran from Hooghly to Raniganj.<ref name=timeline/> The railways were extended to Asansol in July 1863.<ref>{{cite web \|url = http://www.irfca.org/~mrinal/asansol.html \|title = Asansol \|access-date = 2011-11-12 \|publisher = Rail India \|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170507171611/http://www.irfca.org/~mrinal/asansol.html \|archive-date = 7 May 2017 \|url-status = dead }}</ref>

	Bengal Nagpur Railway extended its tracks to the Asansol coal belt in 1887, thus connecting Asansol with [[Adra, Purulia\|Adra]], {{convert\|37\|km}} away . What was then the BNR mainline from Nagpur to Asansol was opened for goods traffic in 1891.<ref name=timeline/>		Bengal Nagpur Railway extended its tracks to the Asansol coal belt in 1887, thus connecting Asansol with [[Adra, Purulia\|Adra]], {{convert\|37\|km}} away. What was then the BNR mainline from Nagpur to Asansol was opened for goods traffic in 1891.<ref name=timeline/>

	===The "main line"===		===The "main line"===
Line 59:		Line 59:

	===MEMU service===		===MEMU service===
	The first MEMU service on the Bardhaman–Asansol section was started on 11 July 1994.<ref>{{cite web\|url= ~~http~~://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-history5.html\| title= IR history Part V (1970–1995)\| publisher= IRFCA\| access-date=2 March 2014}}</ref>		The first MEMU service on the Bardhaman–Asansol section was started on 11 July 1994.<ref>{{cite web\|url= https://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-history5.html\| title= IR history Part V (1970–1995)\| publisher= IRFCA\| access-date=2 March 2014}}</ref>

	==Electrification==		==Electrification==
	The Bardhaman–Mankar sector was electrified in 1964–65, the Mankar–Waria sector in 1965–66 and the Waria–Asansol sector in 1960−61.<ref>{{cite web\| url = ~~http~~://irfca.org/docs/electrification-history.html\|title = History of Electrification\| publisher= IRFCA\| access-date = 16 April 2013}}</ref>		The Bardhaman–Mankar sector was electrified in 1964–65, the Mankar–Waria sector in 1965–66 and the Waria–Asansol sector in 1960−61.<ref>{{cite web\| url = https://irfca.org/docs/electrification-history.html\|title = History of Electrification\| publisher= IRFCA\| access-date = 16 April 2013}}</ref>

	==Loco sheds==		==Loco sheds==
	There are diesel loco sheds at Bardhaman and Andal. Bardhaman diesel loco shed has WDG-3A, WDM-6, [[Indian locomotive class WDM-2\|WDM-2]] and [[WDM-3A]] locos. [[Electrical multiple units\|EMUs]] are also parked here. Andal diesel loco shed has WDS-6, WDM-2, WDM-3A and WDG-3A locos. Asansol had the oldest electric loco shed of Indian Railways. It presently has [[Indian locomotive class WAG-5\|WAG-5]] and [[Indian locomotive class WAM-4\|WAM-4]] locos.<ref>{{cite web\| url = ~~http~~://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-shed.html \|title = Sheds and Workshops\| publisher= IRFCA\| access-date = 18 April 2013}}</ref>		There are diesel loco sheds at Bardhaman and Andal. Bardhaman diesel loco shed has WDG-3A, WDM-6, [[Indian locomotive class WDM-2\|WDM-2]] and [[WDM-3A]] locos. [[Electrical multiple units\|EMUs]] are also parked here. Andal diesel loco shed has WDS-6, WDM-2, WDM-3A and WDG-3A locos. Asansol had the oldest electric loco shed of Indian Railways. It presently has [[Indian locomotive class WAG-5\|WAG-5]] and [[Indian locomotive class WAM-4\|WAM-4]] locos.<ref>{{cite web\| url = https://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-shed.html \|title = Sheds and Workshops\| publisher= IRFCA\| access-date = 18 April 2013}}</ref>

	==Andal Yard==		==Andal Yard==
Line 71:		Line 71:

	==Speed limits==		==Speed limits==
	Most of the Bardhaman–Asansol section is classified as 'A' class line where trains can run up to 160 km per hour but in certain sections speeds may be limited to 120–130 km per hour. The Howrah Rajdhani (between Howrah and New Delhi) travels at an average speed of 85.8 km per hour and the Sealdah Rajdhani (between Sealdah and New Delhi) travels at an average speed of 84.70 km per hour.<ref>{{cite news \|url= ~~http~~://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-pway.html \|title=Permanent Way\| work= Track Classifications\|access-date=2012-01-15 }}</ref><ref name=trivia>{{cite news \|url= ~~http~~://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-trivia.html#fasttrack \|title=Trivia\| work= Highest speed sections of track\|access-date=2012-01-15 }}</ref>		Most of the Bardhaman–Asansol section is classified as 'A' class line where trains can run up to 160 km per hour but in certain sections speeds may be limited to 120–130 km per hour. The Howrah Rajdhani (between Howrah and New Delhi) travels at an average speed of 85.8 km per hour and the Sealdah Rajdhani (between Sealdah and New Delhi) travels at an average speed of 84.70 km per hour.<ref>{{cite news \|url= https://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-pway.html \|title=Permanent Way\| work= Track Classifications\|access-date=2012-01-15 }}</ref><ref name=trivia>{{cite news \|url= https://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-trivia.html#fasttrack \|title=Trivia\| work= Highest speed sections of track\|access-date=2012-01-15 }}</ref>

	==Busy section==		==Busy section==
Line 77:		Line 77:

	==Railway reorganisation==		==Railway reorganisation==
	In 1952, [[Eastern Railway zone\|Eastern Railway]], [[Northern Railway zone\|Northern Railway]] and [[North Eastern Railway zone\|North Eastern Railway]] were formed. Eastern Railway was formed with a portion of [[East Indian Railway Company]], east of Mughalsarai and [[Bengal Nagpur Railway]]. Northern Railway was formed with a portion of East Indian Railway Company west of Mughalsarai, Jodhpur Railway, Bikaner Railway and Eastern Punjab Railway. North Eastern Railway was formed with [[Oudh and Tirhut Railway]], Assam Railway and a portion of [[Bombay, Baroda and Central India Railway]].<ref>{{cite web\| url = ~~http~~://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-geog.html#newzone \|title = Geography – Railway Zones\| publisher= IRFCA\| access-date = 28 March 2014}}</ref> East Central Railway was created in 1996–97.<ref>{{cite web\| url = http://www.ecr.indianrailways.gov.in/ \|title = East Central Railway\| publisher= ECR\| access-date = 28 March 2014}}</ref>		In 1952, [[Eastern Railway zone\|Eastern Railway]], [[Northern Railway zone\|Northern Railway]] and [[North Eastern Railway zone\|North Eastern Railway]] were formed. Eastern Railway was formed with a portion of [[East Indian Railway Company]], east of Mughalsarai and [[Bengal Nagpur Railway]]. Northern Railway was formed with a portion of East Indian Railway Company west of Mughalsarai, Jodhpur Railway, Bikaner Railway and Eastern Punjab Railway. North Eastern Railway was formed with [[Oudh and Tirhut Railway]], Assam Railway and a portion of [[Bombay, Baroda and Central India Railway]].<ref>{{cite web\| url = https://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-geog.html#newzone \|title = Geography – Railway Zones\| publisher= IRFCA\| access-date = 28 March 2014}}</ref> East Central Railway was created in 1996–97.<ref>{{cite web\| url = http://www.ecr.indianrailways.gov.in/ \|title = East Central Railway\| publisher= ECR\| access-date = 28 March 2014}}</ref>

	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}

	\|{{Railways in Eastern India}}		{{Railways in Eastern India}}

	{{DEFAULTSORT:Bardhaman - Asansol section}}		{{DEFAULTSORT:Bardhaman - Asansol section}}
	[[Category:5 ft 6 in gauge railways in India]]		[[Category:5 ft 6 in gauge railways in India]]
	~~[[Category:Rail transport in West Bengal]]~~
	[[Category:Asansol railway division\|*]]		[[Category:Asansol railway division\|*]]
	[[Category:Transport in Asansol]]		[[Category:Transport in Asansol]]
	[[Category:Howrah railway division\|*]]		[[Category:Howrah railway division\|*]]
	[[Category:Transport in Purba Bardhaman district]]		[[Category:Transport in Purba Bardhaman district]]

UpdateBot: robot: Update article (please report if you notice any mistake or error in this edit)

2022-03-27T00:01:56Z

robot: Update article (please report if you notice any mistake or error in this edit)

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:31, 27 March 2022
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			{{Short description\|Railway route in West Bengal, India}}
	{{Use Indian English\|date=January 2016}}		{{Use Indian English\|date=January 2016}}
	{{Use dmy dates\|date=~~September 2012~~}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=December 2021}}
	{{Infobox rail line		{{Infobox rail line
	\| box_width = 28em		\| box_width = 28em
	\| name = [[File:Indian_Railways_Suburban_Railway_Logo.svg\|50px]] Bardhaman–Asansol section		\| name = [[File:Indian_Railways_Suburban_Railway_Logo.svg\|50px]] Bardhaman–Asansol section
	\| color =800000		\| color = 800000
	\| logo = <!-- Do NOT place a non-free image here without complying with WP:NFCC #10c -->		\| logo = <!-- Do NOT place a non-free image here without complying with WP:NFCC #10c -->
	\| logo_width = 100 px		\| logo_width = 100 px
	\| image = Railway stations in West Bengal 27.jpg		\| image = Railway stations in West Bengal 27.jpg
	\| image_width =		\| image_width =
	\| caption = Khana Junction is an important railway station on Bardhaman–Asansol section		\| caption = Khana Junction is an important railway station on Bardhaman–Asansol section
	\| type =		\| type =
	\| system = Electrified		\| system = Electrified
	\| status = Operational		\| status = Operational
	\| locale = [[West Bengal]]		\| locale = [[West Bengal]]
	\| start = {{stnlnk\|Bardhaman}}		\| start = {{stnlnk\|Bardhaman}}
	\| end = {{stnlnk\|Asansol}}		\| end = {{stnlnk\|Asansol}}
	\| stations = 16		\| stations = 16
	\| routes =		\| routes =
	\| daily_ridership =		\| daily_ridership =
	\| open = 1855–1863		\| open = 1855–1863
	\| close =		\| close =
	\| owner = [[Indian Railways]]		\| owner = [[Indian Railways]]
	\| operator = [[Eastern Railway zone\|Eastern Railway]]		\| operator = [[Eastern Railway zone\|Eastern Railway]]
	\| character =		\| character =
	\| depot =		\| depot =
	\| stock =		\| stock =
	\| linelength = {{convert\|106\|km\|mi\|0\|abbr=on}}		\| linelength = {{convert\|106\|km\|mi\|0\|abbr=on}}
	\| tracklength =		\| tracklength =
	\| tracks = 4 (2 up and 2 dn)		\| tracks = 4 (2 up and 2 dn)
	\| gauge = {{Track gauge\|5ft6in\|lk=on}} [[broad gauge]]		\| gauge = {{Track gauge\|5ft6in\|lk=on}} [[broad gauge]]
	\| old_gauge =		\| old_gauge =
	\| minradius =		\| minradius =
	\| racksystem =		\| racksystem =
	\| electrification = 25 kV AC overhead in 1960−66		\| electrification = 25 kV AC overhead in 1960−66
	\| speed = up to {{convert\|160\|km/h\|abbr=on}}		\| speed = up to {{convert\|160\|km/h\|abbr=on}}
	\| elevation =		\| elevation =
	\| website =		\| website =
	\| map = {{Bardhaman–Asansol section\|inline=1\|collapse=no}}		\| map = {{Bardhaman–Asansol section\|inline=1\|collapse=no}}
	\| map_state = collapsed		\| map_state = collapsed
	}}		}}
	The '''Bardhaman–Asansol section''' is a railway line connecting {{stnlnk\|Bardhaman}} and {{stnlnk\|Asansol}}. This {{convert\|106\|km}} track is part of the [[Howrah–Delhi main line]], [[Howrah–Gaya–Delhi line]] and [[Howrah–Allahabad–Mumbai line]]. It is under the jurisdiction of [[Eastern Railway zone\|Eastern Railway]], and is connected to the [[South Eastern Railway zone\|South Eastern Railway]] through Asansol–Adra line at Asansol Jn and Kalipahari–Damodar connector at Kalipahari (this line is only used by freight trains).		The '''Bardhaman–Asansol section''' is a railway line connecting {{stnlnk\|Bardhaman}} and {{stnlnk\|Asansol}}. This {{convert\|106\|km}} track is part of the [[Howrah–Delhi main line]], [[Howrah–Gaya–Delhi line]] and [[Howrah–Allahabad–Mumbai line]]. It is under the jurisdiction of [[Eastern Railway zone\|Eastern Railway]], and is connected to the [[South Eastern Railway zone\|South Eastern Railway]] through Asansol–Adra line at Asansol Jn and Kalipahari–Damodar connector at Kalipahari (this line is only used by freight trains).
Line 58:		Line 59:

	===MEMU service===		===MEMU service===
	The first MEMU service on the Bardhaman–Asansol section was started on 11 July 1994.<ref>{{cite web\|url= http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-history5.html\| title= IR history Part V (1970–1995)\| publisher= IRFCA\| access-date=2 March 2014}}</ref>		The first MEMU service on the Bardhaman–Asansol section was started on 11 July 1994.<ref>{{cite web\|url= http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-history5.html\| title= IR history Part V (1970–1995)\| publisher= IRFCA\| access-date=2 March 2014}}</ref>

	==Electrification==		==Electrification==
Line 70:		Line 71:

	==Speed limits==		==Speed limits==
	Most of the Bardhaman–Asansol section is classified as ~~‘A’~~ class line where trains can run up to 160 km per hour but in certain sections speeds may be limited to 120–130 km per hour. The Howrah Rajdhani (between Howrah and New Delhi) travels at an average speed of 85.8 km per hour and the Sealdah Rajdhani (between Sealdah and New Delhi) travels at an average speed of 84.70 km per hour.<ref>{{cite news \|url= http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-pway.html \|title=Permanent Way\| work= Track Classifications\|access-date=2012-01-15 }}</ref><ref name=trivia>{{cite news \|url= http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-trivia.html#fasttrack \|title=Trivia\| work= Highest speed sections of track\|access-date=2012-01-15 }}</ref>		Most of the Bardhaman–Asansol section is classified as 'A' class line where trains can run up to 160 km per hour but in certain sections speeds may be limited to 120–130 km per hour. The Howrah Rajdhani (between Howrah and New Delhi) travels at an average speed of 85.8 km per hour and the Sealdah Rajdhani (between Sealdah and New Delhi) travels at an average speed of 84.70 km per hour.<ref>{{cite news \|url= http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-pway.html \|title=Permanent Way\| work= Track Classifications\|access-date=2012-01-15 }}</ref><ref name=trivia>{{cite news \|url= http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-trivia.html#fasttrack \|title=Trivia\| work= Highest speed sections of track\|access-date=2012-01-15 }}</ref>

	==Busy section==		==Busy section==
Line 76:		Line 77:

	==Railway reorganisation==		==Railway reorganisation==
	In 1952, [[Eastern Railway zone\|Eastern Railway]], [[Northern Railway zone\|Northern Railway]] and [[North Eastern Railway zone\|North Eastern Railway]] were formed. Eastern Railway was formed with a portion of [[East Indian Railway Company]], east of Mughalsarai and [[Bengal Nagpur Railway]]. Northern Railway was formed with a portion of East Indian Railway Company west of Mughalsarai, Jodhpur Railway, Bikaner Railway and Eastern Punjab Railway. North Eastern Railway was formed with [[Oudh and Tirhut Railway]], Assam Railway and a portion of [[Bombay, Baroda and Central India Railway]].<ref>{{cite web\| url = http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-geog.html#newzone \|title = Geography – Railway Zones\| publisher= IRFCA\| access-date = 28 March 2014}}</ref> East Central Railway was created in 1996–97.<ref>{{cite web\| url = http://www.ecr.indianrailways.gov.in/ \|title = East Central Railway\| publisher= ECR\| access-date = 28 March 2014}}</ref>		In 1952, [[Eastern Railway zone\|Eastern Railway]], [[Northern Railway zone\|Northern Railway]] and [[North Eastern Railway zone\|North Eastern Railway]] were formed. Eastern Railway was formed with a portion of [[East Indian Railway Company]], east of Mughalsarai and [[Bengal Nagpur Railway]]. Northern Railway was formed with a portion of East Indian Railway Company west of Mughalsarai, Jodhpur Railway, Bikaner Railway and Eastern Punjab Railway. North Eastern Railway was formed with [[Oudh and Tirhut Railway]], Assam Railway and a portion of [[Bombay, Baroda and Central India Railway]].<ref>{{cite web\| url = http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-geog.html#newzone \|title = Geography – Railway Zones\| publisher= IRFCA\| access-date = 28 March 2014}}</ref> East Central Railway was created in 1996–97.<ref>{{cite web\| url = http://www.ecr.indianrailways.gov.in/ \|title = East Central Railway\| publisher= ECR\| access-date = 28 March 2014}}</ref>

	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist~~\|colwidth=30em~~}}		{{reflist}}

	\|{{Railways in Eastern India}}		\|{{Railways in Eastern India}}

>Vatsmaxed: /* top */updated template, replaced: broad gauge → {{Track gauge|5ft6in|lk=on}} broad gauge

2021-06-24T10:30:23Z

top: updated template, replaced: broad gauge → {{Track gauge|5ft6in|lk=on}} broad gauge

New page

{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2012}}
{{Infobox rail line
| box_width = 28em
| name = [[File:Indian_Railways_Suburban_Railway_Logo.svg|50px]] Bardhaman–Asansol section
| color =800000
| logo = 
| logo_width = 100 px
| image = Railway stations in West Bengal 27.jpg
| image_width =
| caption = Khana Junction is an important railway station on Bardhaman–Asansol section
| type =
| system = Electrified
| status = Operational
| locale = [[West Bengal]]
| start = {{stnlnk|Bardhaman}}
| end = {{stnlnk|Asansol}}
| stations = 16
| routes =
| daily_ridership =
| open = 1855–1863
| close =
| owner = [[Indian Railways]]
| operator = [[Eastern Railway zone|Eastern Railway]]
| character =
| depot =
| stock =
| linelength = {{convert|106|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}
| tracklength =
| tracks = 4 (2 up and 2 dn)
| gauge = {{Track gauge|5ft6in|lk=on}} [[broad gauge]]
| old_gauge =
| minradius =
| racksystem =
| electrification = 25 kV AC overhead in 1960−66
| speed = up to {{convert|160|km/h|abbr=on}}
| elevation =
| website =
| map = {{Bardhaman–Asansol section|inline=1|collapse=no}}
| map_state = collapsed
}}
The '''Bardhaman–Asansol section''' is a railway line connecting {{stnlnk|Bardhaman}} and {{stnlnk|Asansol}}. This {{convert|106|km}} track is part of the [[Howrah–Delhi main line]], [[Howrah–Gaya–Delhi line]] and [[Howrah–Allahabad–Mumbai line]]. It is under the jurisdiction of [[Eastern Railway zone|Eastern Railway]], and is connected to the [[South Eastern Railway zone|South Eastern Railway]] through Asansol–Adra line at Asansol Jn and Kalipahari–Damodar connector at Kalipahari (this line is only used by freight trains).

==History==

===Beginning of railways in Eastern India===
The Howrah–Delhi railway line was planned via Rajmahal, using the level plains on the banks of the [[Ganges]]. During the middle of the nineteenth century coal mining had started in the [[Raniganj Coalfield]]. The coal was being mined by [[Carr, Tagore and Company]] owned primarily by [[Dwarakanath Tagore|Prince Dwarakanath Tagore]], and was transported in boats and barges on the [[Damodar River]] from Narayankuri ghat. The fluctuating levels of water in the Damodar was an impediment for the smooth transportation of coal.<ref name=timeline>{{cite web|first=R. P.| last=Saxena|title=Indian Railway History Time line|url=http://irse.bravehost.com/IRHTML.htm|work=Irse.bravehost.com|access-date=3 January 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229092028/http://irse.bravehost.com/IRHTML.htm| archive-date=29 February 2012}}</ref><ref name=history>{{cite web | url = http://www.irfca.org/~mrinal/history_ir.html | title = History of Indian Railways |publisher=Rail India | access-date = 2011-11-20 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121125155234/http://irfca.org/~mrinal/history_ir.html | archive-date = 25 November 2012 | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref name=asansol>{{cite web | url = http://www.irfca.org/~mrinal/asansol.html | title = Asansol |publisher=Rail India | access-date = 2011-11-20 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170507171611/http://www.irfca.org/~mrinal/asansol.html | archive-date = 7 May 2017 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

Amongst the Indian merchants, in Mumbai and Kolkata, who took an active interest in the development of the railways, the most prominent name was that of Dwarakanath. M/s Carr, Tagore and Company is reported to have offered in 1844, to raise some capital for the construction of a railway line beyond Bardhaman to the Raniganj Coalfield. However, after Dwarakanath's premature death the conception, promotion and launching of India's railways were all British.<ref name=history/>
After the first run of a train in Eastern India from {{stnlnk|Howrah}} to {{stnlnk|Hooghly}} in 1854, [[East Indian Railway Company]] extended the tracks to Raniganj, beyond the plans of the route to Delhi, and on 1 February 1855, the first train ran from Hooghly to Raniganj.<ref name=timeline/> The railways were extended to Asansol in July 1863.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.irfca.org/~mrinal/asansol.html |title = Asansol |access-date = 2011-11-12 |publisher = Rail India |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170507171611/http://www.irfca.org/~mrinal/asansol.html |archive-date = 7 May 2017 |url-status = dead }}</ref>

Bengal Nagpur Railway extended its tracks to the Asansol coal belt in 1887, thus connecting Asansol with [[Adra, Purulia|Adra]], {{convert|37|km}} away . What was then the BNR mainline from Nagpur to Asansol was opened for goods traffic in 1891.<ref name=timeline/>

===The "main line"===
The first rail track between Howrah and Delhi was via what was later named as [[Sahibganj loop]] and the first train on the route was run in 1864. A "shorter main line" connecting Raniganj and [[Kiul Junction]] was in position in 1871 and the opening of the [[Grand Chord]] in 1907 shortened the distance from Howrah to Delhi even further.<ref name=timeline/>

The [[Andal–Sainthia branch line]] was built in 1913.<ref name=timeline/> The {{convert|73|km}} branch line linked the north-eastern part of Raniganj coalfield and the western part of Birbhum district to the main railway tracks.

===MEMU service===
The first MEMU service on the Bardhaman–Asansol section was started on 11 July 1994.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-history5.html| title= IR history Part V (1970–1995)| publisher= IRFCA| access-date=2 March 2014}}</ref>

==Electrification==
The Bardhaman–Mankar sector was electrified in 1964–65, the Mankar–Waria sector in 1965–66 and the Waria–Asansol sector in 1960−61.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://irfca.org/docs/electrification-history.html|title = History of Electrification| publisher= IRFCA| access-date = 16 April 2013}}</ref>

==Loco sheds==
There are diesel loco sheds at Bardhaman and Andal. Bardhaman diesel loco shed has WDG-3A, WDM-6, [[Indian locomotive class WDM-2|WDM-2]] and [[WDM-3A]] locos. [[Electrical multiple units|EMUs]] are also parked here. Andal diesel loco shed has WDS-6, WDM-2, WDM-3A and WDG-3A locos. Asansol had the oldest electric loco shed of Indian Railways. It presently has [[Indian locomotive class WAG-5|WAG-5]] and [[Indian locomotive class WAM-4|WAM-4]] locos.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-shed.html |title = Sheds and Workshops| publisher= IRFCA| access-date = 18 April 2013}}</ref>

==Andal Yard==
The Andal Yard is the largest goods yard in the Asansol Division of Eastern Railway. Wagons are marshaled in the yard with the assistance of a hump fitted with mechanical retarders. Located in the [[Raniganj Coalfield]], the yard handles about 1,300 coal wagons daily and another 4,400 wagons with other materials. Apart from coal, it handles steel, petroleum products and a large parcel traffic.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.irse.bravehost.com/officialhistory.mht |title = Indian Railways |access-date = 2011-11-20 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120425235805/http://www.irse.bravehost.com/officialhistory.mht |archive-date = 25 April 2012 |url-status = dead }}</ref>

==Speed limits==
Most of the Bardhaman–Asansol section is classified as ‘A’ class line where trains can run up to 160 km per hour but in certain sections speeds may be limited to 120–130 km per hour. The Howrah Rajdhani (between Howrah and New Delhi) travels at an average speed of 85.8 km per hour and the Sealdah Rajdhani (between Sealdah and New Delhi) travels at an average speed of 84.70 km per hour.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-pway.html |title=Permanent Way| work= Track Classifications|access-date=2012-01-15 }}</ref><ref name=trivia>{{cite news |url= http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-trivia.html#fasttrack |title=Trivia| work= Highest speed sections of track|access-date=2012-01-15 }}</ref>

==Busy section==
It is one of the busiest sections of Indian Railways with Asansol handling over 50 trains in a day.<ref name=trivia/>

==Railway reorganisation==
In 1952, [[Eastern Railway zone|Eastern Railway]], [[Northern Railway zone|Northern Railway]] and [[North Eastern Railway zone|North Eastern Railway]] were formed. Eastern Railway was formed with a portion of [[East Indian Railway Company]], east of Mughalsarai and [[Bengal Nagpur Railway]]. Northern Railway was formed with a portion of East Indian Railway Company west of Mughalsarai, Jodhpur Railway, Bikaner Railway and Eastern Punjab Railway. North Eastern Railway was formed with [[Oudh and Tirhut Railway]], Assam Railway and a portion of [[Bombay, Baroda and Central India Railway]].<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-geog.html#newzone |title = Geography – Railway Zones| publisher= IRFCA| access-date = 28 March 2014}}</ref> East Central Railway was created in 1996–97.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.ecr.indianrailways.gov.in/ |title = East Central Railway| publisher= ECR| access-date = 28 March 2014}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

|{{Railways in Eastern India}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bardhaman - Asansol section}}
[[Category:5 ft 6 in gauge railways in India]]
[[Category:Rail transport in West Bengal]]
[[Category:Asansol railway division|*]]
[[Category:Transport in Asansol]]
[[Category:Howrah railway division|*]]
[[Category:Transport in Purba Bardhaman district]]