Massive infrastructure boost planned for Siliguri Corridor

Major infrastructure work has started to improve and secure the Siliguri Corridor, also known as the Chicken Neck. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced an investment of ₹2,077.18 crore for the four-laning of a 31.02-kilometre section of NH-327. This road project covers Bagdogra, Panitanki, Kharibari, and Galgalia in the Darjeeling district.

Underground Rail And High-Speed Links

Authorities are planning a 40-kilometre underground rail corridor to ensure uninterrupted connectivity to Northeast India. This project involves laying new underground tracks and expanding surface infrastructure to four lines to increase freight and passenger capacity. Additionally, a high-speed rail link between Siliguri and Varanasi is currently under consideration.

Power Grid And Electrical Upgrades

Indian Railways is prioritizing a steady power supply for its electrified network to prevent disruptions. The system uses electricity directly from power plant grids with automatic switching for quick recovery during technical failures. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the shift to a modern 2x25 kV electrification system supporting up to 1400 amperes. About 7,000 kilometres of track have been upgraded to this standard, and the Railway Board requires all future electrification projects to use this system.