HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Feb 7: In a major move to strengthen strategic connectivity to the Northeast, Indian Railways has decided to construct a new underground railway line through the Siliguri Corridor, popularly known as the ‘Chicken’s Neck’.
The proposed line will run from Tinmile Hat to Rangapani and further up to Bagdogra, ensuring secure and uninterrupted rail access to the northeastern states.
Related Posts:
Speaking during a media interaction, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw said the project is aimed at strengthening reliable rail connectivity in this strategically sensitive region.
The project will fall under the Katihar Division of the Northeast Frontier Railway and will pass through parts of Darjeeling and Uttar Dinajpur districts of West Bengal, along with Kishanganj district of Bihar.
The proposed underground railway line will have a total length of 35.76 km between Dumdangi and Bagdogra, with the Dumdangi–Rangapani stretch measuring 33.40 km.
The alignment has been designed primarily as an underground corridor to ensure resilient and uninterrupted connectivity through the Siliguri Corridor, a narrow land strip of about 22 km that links mainland India with the northeastern states.
Given the corridor’s proximity to international borders with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, and its susceptibility to congestion, natural disasters and security-related disruptions, the underground alignment assumes critical importance.
The concealed route will provide a protected alternative for uninterrupted movement of defence personnel, military equipment and emergency relief materials during exigencies.
The project will also enhance air–rail logistics integration due to its strategic proximity to Bagdogra Air Force Station and the Bengdubi Army Cantonment, home to the Indian Army’s 33 Corps.
Advanced engineering and modern railway technology have been planned for the project.
These include a 2×25 kV AC electrification system, Automatic Signalling (Standard-IV) with VOIP-based communication over optical fibre and quad cables, bridges designed to RDSO standards for 25-ton axle loads, and twin tunnels to be constructed using Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) methodology, with NATM tunnels for crossovers.
The Tinmile Hat–Rangapani–Bagdogra underground rail project reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to strengthening strategic infrastructure in the Northeast.
Anchored in national interest, the project is expected to play a vital role in enhancing security, resilience and long-term connectivity of the region, in line with the Government of India’s vision for integrated and secure infrastructure development.
