NJP Station Work Deadline Set for April 2027

The Ministry of Railways has directed the Northeast Frontier Railway to complete all pending work at the New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station by April 2027 to reduce passenger inconvenience. Additionally, the government has set a deadline of December 2027 to finish the Sevoke-Rangpo rail project, which will connect Sikkim to the national railway network.

Expansion of Rail Infrastructure in North Bengal

To improve connectivity in Northeast India, the central government has approved a 57-kilometer fourth rail track between NJP and Aluabari Road. This fourth line is planned to be extended to Malda in the future. While a proposal for a third line between NJP and Aluabari Road has been submitted, it has not yet received financial approval. The completion of these tracks is expected to allow for the operation of new trains, including potential Vande Bharat services.

Focus on Siliguri Corridor and Connectivity

Railway authorities are prioritizing the strengthening of infrastructure in the Siliguri Corridor, also known as the Chicken's Neck, due to its strategic importance. A 29-kilometer underground rail line project from Tinmile Hat to Bagdogra has been approved. Furthermore, officials are conducting surveys for the proposed Siliguri-Jalpaiguri metro project. The Northeast Frontier Railway has also emphasized improving local rail links, with plans to introduce new local train routes connecting Jogbani, Radhikapur, and Balurghat.

Progress on the Sevoke-Rangpo Rail Project

Work on the Sevoke-Rangpo line, which began in 2009 with major construction starting in 2017, has faced delays due to natural disasters and other challenges. The Ministry of Railways has now mandated that the project be completed within the next 15 months. Project managers from IRCON have confirmed that construction is progressing, and they are working to meet the December 2027 deadline to ensure the rail link becomes operational.