Indian Railways Approves Fourth Rail Line in Siliguri Corridor

The Government of India has officially approved the construction of a fourth railway line through the Siliguri Corridor to improve national connectivity. This narrow strip of land, widely known as the Chicken's Neck, is the only land route connecting the northeastern states to the rest of India. Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava confirmed that the project aims to improve logistical and security movement through the 20 to 22-kilometer wide region.

Strategic Importance of the Rail Expansion

This new rail line is designed to ensure the efficient transport of essential supplies and personnel across the region. The decision to expand the rail capacity is focused on maintaining strong mobility in the area to handle regional instability effectively. By adding a fourth line, the railway network will become more reliable for both civilian and security requirements, strengthening the link between North Bengal and the Northeast.

Ongoing Railway Modernization Projects

Beyond the new fourth line, the NFR is currently working on several other major infrastructure projects to modernize the transport network. These include a 29-kilometer underground double-line project between Tinmai Ghat and Bagdogra and a new 24.40-kilometer broad-gauge line connecting Thakurganj to Chhatarhat. This new route will create a direct link to the New Jalpaiguri main rail line, further integrating the local network.

Future Development of New Jalpaiguri Station

Infrastructure improvements are also visible at the local level with the ongoing redevelopment of the New Jalpaiguri station. The station project is scheduled for completion by April 2027 and will serve as a key hub for the region. Additionally, the NFR has achieved 100 percent electrification across its network, which creates the necessary foundation for the future introduction of more Vande Bharat trains across North Bengal.