The history of railways in West Bengal is deeply intertwined with the development of the Indian Railways and the colonial history of India. Here's an overview of the key milestones:

Early Beginnings (19th Century)
Introduction of Railways in India: The first railway line in India was introduced in 1853 between Bombay (now Mumbai) and Thane. The success of this line encouraged the British to expand railway networks across India, including Bengal.
  
The First Railway in Bengal: The first railway line in Bengal was inaugurated on August 15, 1854. It connected Howrah to Hooghly, covering a distance of 24 miles (39 km). This was a part of the East Indian Railway Company (EIR), which was established by the British to develop and manage railway operations in the eastern part of India.

Expansion in Bengal: The Howrah-Hooghly line was quickly extended to other parts of Bengal. By 1855, the line had reached Burdwan, and in 1857, it was extended to Raniganj, a major coal-mining area. This not only facilitated the transport of coal but also connected important regions within Bengal.

Late 19th to Early 20th Century
Howrah Station: The Howrah railway station, one of the oldest and busiest in India, was established in 1854. It became the principal gateway for the rail network in Bengal and continues to be a central hub.

Development of Branch Lines: As the network expanded, branch lines were developed to connect smaller towns and regions. The Sealdah-Krishnanagar line, for instance, was opened in 1862, making it one of the early expansions from the main line.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR): One of the most significant developments during this period was the construction of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) between 1879 and 1881. The DHR, a narrow-gauge railway line, connects New Jalpaiguri with Darjeeling, a famous hill station. It became the first mountain railway in India and was later recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

Bengal-Nagpur Railway (BNR): Another important railway company, the Bengal-Nagpur Railway, was formed in the 1880s. It connected Bengal with central and southern India, playing a crucial role in linking different parts of the country.

Post-Independence Era (1947 - Present)
Integration into Indian Railways: After India gained independence in 1947, the railways in Bengal, like those in other parts of India, were nationalized and became a part of the Indian Railways. The East Indian Railway and Bengal-Nagpur Railway were integrated into the Eastern Railway zone, which was formed in 1952. The South Eastern Railway zone was also created, covering parts of Bengal.

Electrification and Modernization: The post-independence era saw the electrification of major railway lines in West Bengal. The Howrah-Burdwan section was among the first to be electrified in the 1950s. This greatly increased the efficiency and speed of rail travel.

Kolkata Suburban Railway: The suburban railway network in and around Kolkata developed significantly, becoming one of the busiest suburban rail systems in the country. The Kolkata Metro, inaugurated in 1984, was the first underground railway in India and marked a significant milestone in the modernization of urban transit in Bengal.

Heritage and Tourism: West Bengal's railway heritage, particularly the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, continues to attract tourists from around the world. The Toy Train, as it is popularly known, remains an iconic symbol of Bengal's rich railway history.

### Key Stations and Lines in West Bengal
**Howrah Station**: As mentioned, it is one of the oldest and busiest Railway Stations in India and also the gateway of Bengal under Eastern Railway Division in West Bengal falls under the jurisdiction of Howrah GRP District.

**Sealdah Station**: Most important & crowdest Railway Station  of Eastern Railway Division in West Bengal catering to a vast Kolkata suburban and long-distance network, falls under the jurisdiction of Sealdah GRP District.

**New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Junction**: An important Railway Station of North-East Frontier Railway Division of India in West Bengal falls under the jurisdiction of Siliguri GRP District, connecting the plains with the hills, including Darjeeling. 

**Kharagpur Junction**: An important & lasrgest (in length) Railway Station of South-Eastern Railway Division of India in West Bengal falls under the jurisdiction of Kharagpur GRP District.

Conclusion:
The railways of West Bengal have played a vital role in the economic and social development of the region. From their early beginnings in the colonial era to their current status as a crucial part of the Indian Railways, the history of railways in West Bengal reflects the broader narrative of India's journey through colonialism, independence, and modernization. 

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Source: https://wbpolice.gov.in/, https://google.co.in/