The proposed alignment of the underground railway line from Tin Mile Hat to Rangapani and Bagdogra through the Siliguri Corridor, as seen in this handout image provided by the Northeast Frontier Railway.
Maligaon, February 7 (MExN): Indian Railways has decided to construct a new underground railway line through the Siliguri Corridor, or ‘Chicken’s Neck’, to ensure strengthen and secure uninterrupted rail connectivity to the North-East, the NFR said.
According to a press release issued by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), the proposed underground line will run from Tinmile Hat to Rangapani and further onwards to Bagdogra.
The project falls under the Katihar Division of NFR and will pass through parts of Darjeeling and Uttar Dinajpur districts of West Bengal and Kishanganj district of Bihar.
Speaking during a media interaction, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw said the project is aimed at ensuring secure, reliable and uninterrupted rail connectivity in the strategically sensitive corridor linking mainland India with the North-east.
The proposed underground railway line will have a total length of 35.76 km between Dumdangi and Bagdogra, with the Dumdangi–Rangapani section measuring 33.40 km.
The alignment has been planned largely underground to enhance resilience and minimise vulnerability in the narrow Siliguri Corridor, which is approximately 22 km wide at its narrowest point, the release added.
Given the corridor’s proximity to international borders with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, as well as its exposure to natural disasters, congestion and security-related disruptions, the underground alignment is expected to provide a protected and non-visible alternative route, it maintained.
The release stated that this would facilitate uninterrupted movement of defence personnel, military equipment and emergency relief materials during exigencies.
The project is also expected to support air–rail logistics integration due to its proximity to the Bagdogra Air Force Station and the Bengdubi Army Cantonment of the Indian Army’s 33 Corps.
Modern engineering and signalling technologies have been proposed for the project, including a 2×25 kV AC electrification system, Automatic Signalling (Standard-IV) with VOIP-based communication on optical fibre and quad cables, and bridges designed to RDSO standards for a 25-ton axle load. The underground sections will comprise twin tunnels constructed using Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) methodology, with NATM tunnels planned for crossovers.
The proposed underground railway line, the NFR said, reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to strengthening strategic infrastructure in the North-east and aligns with the Government of India’s vision of integrated, secure and resilient connectivity for the region.
.jpg)
