Soon after she joined office, she took a special train to Kakdwip, one of the worst cyclone-hit areas in the state’s coastal belt, and also announced several relief initiatives. She blamed the CPI(M) Government for failing to take adequate precautionary steps before the cyclone hit while claiming that it was only after she alerted the Centre that the state Government began its rescue operations.

She said she was constantly in touch with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Home Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Defence Minister A K Anthony ever since Aila lashed the state. “For 32 years, the state Government hasn’t done anything to prevent flood or erosion. Which is why the Army had to be called in and it happened only after we sought their help,” Mamata said.

On the train services that have been severely disrupted owing to agitations in Punjab and parts of Haryana following the death of a Dera leader in Vienna, she said, “There are passengers who are stranded in Punjab, especially in Jalandhar. We, with the help of gurdwaras, have been trying to provide relief, water and shelter to them. Pilgrims of Amarnath coming from Kashmir are also stranded. We will try and get these passengers on trains.”.

Mamata said that though she was from Bengal, there will be no bias in executing railway projects.

“I might be a Minister from Bengal but I want to develop all parts of India. Railways will take care of the amenities, cleanliness and the security of passengers as also freight and business,” said Mamata while adding that all pending railway projects in Jammu and Kashmir would be accorded priority. She also announced special monthly passes for Rs 20 to those whose monthly income is below Rs 500. The passes will be valid for a distance of 100 km.

To mark the birthday anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam, Mamata also announced the introduction of Howrah-Digha Kandari Express. “Today being the birthday of Kazi Nazrul Islam, I have decided to name the Howrah-Digha train as Kandari Express. It will run daily.” She also promised to implement the Howrah-Ludhiana freight corridor, which will benefit the states of West Bengal, Punjab, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.