The ministry says the first eastern corridor routes will connect Kolkata with Delhi and Mumbai.
Officials and residents in the region have been closely following the developments, which are expected to have lasting consequences for the national landscape. Speaking to our correspondent, several people said the announcement had been anticipated for months but the scale of it came as a surprise.
According to documents reviewed by our newsroom, the plan has been in the works since early this year. Multiple departments were consulted, and independent experts were asked to assess the likely impact before the final decision was taken.
What happens next
The implementation will be rolled out in phases. A monitoring committee will publish progress updates every quarter, and citizens will be able to submit feedback through an online portal as well as at local offices.
"This is a moment we have worked towards for a long time. The real test is in how it reaches ordinary people," a senior official said.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about timelines and funding. Opposition voices said they would seek greater transparency on how resources are allocated, and asked for a clear roadmap with measurable targets.
Why it matters
Analysts say the move reflects a broader shift in priorities. "Railways to roll out 120 new Vande Bharat sleeper rakes by next year" is likely to remain a talking point in the weeks ahead, with stakeholders across the region watching closely for the first signs of change on the ground.
We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.