New Railway Line Approved for Strategic Siliguri Corridor

The central government has officially approved the construction of a fourth railway line along the Malda to New Jalpaiguri section. This project is intended to improve connectivity through the Siliguri Corridor, which serves as a vital link between the northeastern states and the rest of India. Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava announced that this expansion will increase logistical capacity and strengthen national security links.

Major Infrastructure Expansion Projects

In addition to the fourth railway line, the NFR is working on several other infrastructure developments. These include a 29-kilometer underground double-line railway section between Tinmai Ghat and Bagdogra and a new 24.40-kilometer broad-gauge line that will connect Thakurganj to the New Jalpaiguri main line. The railway network has achieved 100% electrification, and the comprehensive redevelopment of the New Jalpaiguri station is currently scheduled for completion by April 2027.

Improvements to Passenger and Local Train Services

Railway authorities are planning to upgrade passenger services by extending the Vande Bharat Express routes from Guwahati to Tinsukia and Agartala. To assist residents in remote border regions, the railway is introducing new local train services originating from Jogbani, Radhikapur, and Balurghat. Work is also continuing on double-tracking the Barsoi section to manage the increasing volume of rail traffic in the region.