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Indian Railways to Build Strategic Underground Line in Northeast's Siliguri Corridor

Indian Railways is planning a new underground railway line to enhance connectivity in the Northeastern states. The 35.76 km line will pass through the strategically vital Siliguri Corridor, providing a secure and resilient link. The project will incorporate advanced technologies like TBM tunneling and automatic signaling. It aims to ensure reliable transport for defense, military logistics, and emergency relief in the sensitive border region.

Key Points: New Underground Rail Line for Northeast Connectivity by Indian Railways

  • 35.76 km underground route
  • Secures vital Siliguri 'Chicken's Neck' corridor
  • Links Tinmile Hat to Rangapani and Bagdogra
  • Integrates air-rail logistics near Bagdogra Air Force Station
2 min read

Railways to construct new underground rail line to enhance connectivity in NE

Indian Railways announces a 35.76 km underground line through the strategic Siliguri Corridor to secure Northeast connectivity.

Railways to construct new underground rail line to enhance connectivity in NE
"provide secure, reliable, and continuous rail connectivity - Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw"

Guwahati, Feb 7

Indian Railways plans to build a new underground railway line to improve connectivity in the Northeastern states.

The line will pass through the Siliguri corridor in North Bengal, known as the 'Chicken's Neck'.

Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) Chief Public Relations Officer Kapinjal Kishore Sharma stated that the underground route will run from Tinmile Hat to Rangapani and Bagdogra in the Darjeeling district, West Bengal.

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has emphasised that the project is intended to provide secure, reliable, and continuous rail connectivity within this strategically significant corridor.

The Katihar Division of NFR will manage the project, which will cover areas in the Darjeeling and Uttar Dinajpur districts of West Bengal and in the Kishanganj district, Bihar.

The underground line will extend 35.76 km between Dumdangi and Bagdogra, including a 33.40 km Dumdangi-Rangapani segment. This alignment will provide resilient connectivity through the 22 km Siliguri Corridor, which connects mainland India to the Northeast.

Due to its proximity to the borders with Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, as well as its susceptibility to natural disasters and security risks, the underground line is regarded as highly significant. It will provide a secure alternative route for defence personnel, military equipment, and emergency relief materials.

The project will facilitate air-rail logistics integration, given its proximity to Bagdogra Air Force Station and Bengdubi Army Cantonment.

It will incorporate advanced technologies such as a 2×25 kV AC electrification system, Automatic Signalling (Standard-IV) with VOIP-based communication, bridges designed to RDSO 25-ton axle load standards, and twin tunnels constructed using Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) and New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) techniques.

The development of this underground line demonstrates Indian Railways' commitment to enhancing strategic infrastructure in the Northeast and aligns with the government of India's vision for integrated and secure development. NFR, headquartered in Maligaon near Guwahati, operates in the Northeastern states, seven districts of West Bengal, and five districts of northern Bihar.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the strategic importance is clear, I hope the environmental impact in the Darjeeling hills is thoroughly studied. It's a sensitive ecological zone. The project must be executed with the highest standards to protect the local environment and communities.
R
Rohit P
Finally! Better connectivity means economic growth for the Northeast. This will boost tourism, trade, and make travel safer for civilians and defence personnel alike. The air-rail integration near Bagdogra is a smart move.
S
Sarah B
The technical specs sound impressive – TBM, NATM, automatic signalling. Hope the execution matches the plan and is completed on time without the usual delays and cost overruns we see in infra projects. Fingers crossed.
V
Vikram M
As someone from Guwahati, better rail links to the mainland are always welcome. This underground route will be a lifeline, not just strategically but for everyday people and goods movement. Hope it gets priority funding and fast-track approval.
K
Karthik V
A secure alternative route is crucial given the border sensitivities. This project strengthens national security infrastructure in a tangible way. Well thought out by the Railways ministry.

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