Kolkata, July 20 — The newly transformed Multi-Disciplinary Divisional Training Institute (MDDTI) cum CBT Centre at Beliaghata, Sealdah, was inaugurated by Eastern Railway (ER) General Manager Milind Deouskar on Monday.
This is being seen as a major step towards enhancing the safety and efficiency of train operations, safety standards, and workforce efficiency. The premier facility stands as a prestigious milestone for the region, marking the first MDDTI established in ER and ranking among only seven such elite specialised training hubs across Indian Railways.
Officials said the extensive upgrade transitions the facility from its legacy structure into a futuristic, multi-departmental ecosystem meticulously engineered to generate a future-ready workforce for a “Viksit Railway-Viksit Bharat”.
The institute will be staffed by a principal of gazetted rank and many instructors who are experts in different domains of railway operations to enhance the knowledge and skill levels of ground-level staff.
Frontline personnel across core technical branches including Operating, Engineering, Signal & Telecommunication (S&T), Electrical, and Stores will receive advanced, integrated technical instruction here to build a robust foundation for operational security, with daily train paths managed.
Deouskar unveiled a series of highly modern amenities that define the institute’s next-generation infrastructure. Alongside the fully renovated main complex, he also opened a state-of-the-art interactive digital smart class and announced plans for a Rs 4.92 crore outlay to develop a 120-terminal computer-based digital testing room by December 2026.
A specialised Train Information Display Board (TIB) Lab Room has also been made operational to further bolster technical competency. This new infrastructure is designed to train staff to operate Real-Time Train Information, Centralised Management, Audio-Visual Announcements, and High-Brightness LED Displays.
Officials said the institute has facilities to impart practical training to staff on the operation of the Electric Lifting Barrier (ELB) and Sliding Barrier at Level Crossing gates, as well as in Permanent Way and Signalling Model rooms, which are critical to managing safe operations.
The campus now boasts a state-of-the-art 80-bedded hostel block, a dedicated cafeteria, a visiting faculty room, a library, high-speed Wi-Fi and an advanced examination and assessment hub that will also serve as a crucial Computer Based Test and Tab Based Test (TBT) centre.
MDDTI, Beliaghata, has successfully conducted over 15 departmental promotional examinations, assessing more than 1,300 candidates for critical safety and administrative posts, including JE, CLI, Shunting Master, and Clerks, in a highly secure and transparent environment.
Employees across the Sealdah Division are actively using the institute's iGOT platform for online learning.
Plans include setting up a Rs 12.84 crore project for a 450 sq metre simulator building and commissioning a 3-Phase motion simulator to train drivers. There is also a Rs 4.99 crore project to convert the older building into a sophisticated S&T Model Room, equipped with cutting-edge Kavach (Wayside/RIU) anti-collision systems and other advanced signalling equipment.
ER Chief Public Relations Officer Shibram Majhi said the revamped training institute will be instrumental in helping the railways institutionalise zero-tolerance safety protocols and achieve much higher security benchmarks in everyday train operations.